In brief
In a catastrophic event, more than 200 individuals have perished in a mine collapse in Rubaya, eastern DR Congo, mainly due to heavy rains. The area, controlled by M23 rebels, is known for its coltan deposits essential for electronics, but safety measures have been neglected. Survivors recount harrowing stories and authorities face scrutiny over maintenance failures. About 20 people are being treated in hospitals, highlighting the ongoing dangers of informal mining in the region.
More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities have said.
The mine, in the town of Rubaya, gave way on Wednesday due to heavy rains, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the North Kivu region's rebel governor, told reporters. At the time, the death toll remained unclear.
Women and children were among those mining coltan - a mineral used to manufacture electronics such as smartphones and computers - at the time.
A former supervisor of the mine told the BBC the site was not properly maintained, making accidents more likely and hampering rescue efforts when they occur.
He added that the fragile nature of the soil made the situation worse.
Women, children and artisanal miners - those not officially employed by a mining firm - are among those killed in the collapse. Around 20 survivors are said to be receiving treatment in hospital.
A source whose cousin died in the landslide expressed shock, saying it was 'a big loss' for the family and community.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga, who was appointed by M23 rebels after seizing swathes of territory in North Kivu, visited survivors of the incident on Friday.
Rubaya is one of a number of towns across North Kivu under the control of the M23, who international observers say are backed by neighbouring Rwanda.
The mines in Rubaya hold about 15% of the world's coltan supply and half of the DR Congo's total deposits. The metallic ore contains tantalum, which is used to produce high-performance capacitors in a range of electronic devices, making it in high demand worldwide.
Since 2024, the M23 rebels have been in control of the mines. The UN has accused the group of imposing taxes on the mining sector for their own benefit.
The BBC has contacted the Congolese government in Kinshasa for comment.
