In a devastating incident, more than 200 individuals lost their lives following a collapse at a coltan mine in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday after heavy rains caused the mine to give way, according to Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu.

The mine, a critical source of coltan—a mineral essential for manufacturing electronics—has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since 2024. This group, accused by the United Nations of exploiting the mine to fund their insurgency, has temporarily halted artisanal mining operations at the site. The collapse has left many families in mourning, with survivors receiving medical care in Rubaya and plans underway to transfer some to Goma, located 50 kilometers away.

Human Cost and Economic Impact

The collapse has not only claimed lives but also highlighted the precarious conditions faced by artisanal miners, including women and children, who work for minimal pay. A former supervisor of the mine criticized the lack of maintenance and the fragile soil conditions, which exacerbated the disaster. A local resident, whose cousin perished in the landslide, expressed disbelief and sorrow over the loss, describing his relative as a dedicated family man.

Rubaya's mines contribute significantly to the global coltan supply, accounting for approximately 15% of the world's production. The metallic ore is processed into tantalum, a key component in high-performance capacitors used in various electronic devices.

Political and Rebel Dynamics

The M23 rebels, who seized control of North Kivu in 2024, have been accused of imposing taxes on the mining sector to support their cause. The group, reportedly backed by Rwanda—a claim Kigali denies—aims to overthrow the Congolese government and protect the Tutsi minority. The rebel-appointed governor has ordered the relocation of residents living near the mine to prevent further casualties.