**
A catastrophic landslide at coltan mines in eastern Congo has claimed the lives of at least 200 individuals, as confirmed by authorities linked to the M23 rebel group. The disaster, which unfolded at the Rubaya mining site earlier this week, has intensified the ongoing humanitarian crisis in a region already plagued by conflict and instability.
Landslide Details and Immediate Aftermath
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday at the Rubaya mines, situated in North Kivu province, where M23 rebels hold control. Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the region’s rebel-appointed governor, cited heavy rainfall as the primary cause of the landslide. “Currently, there are more than 200 dead, some of whom are still trapped in the mud and have not yet been recovered,” Muyisa reported. In addition to the fatalities, numerous injured individuals were swiftly transported to nearby health facilities, with ambulances scheduled to transfer the most critical cases to Goma, located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) away.
In response to the tragedy, the rebel governor has temporarily halted artisanal mining operations at the site and initiated the relocation of residents living dangerously close to the mines.
Persistent Risks in Artisanal Mining
Clovis Mafare, a former miner at the Rubaya site, expressed deep concern over the ongoing dangers associated with artisanal mining practices. He highlighted the reckless digging methods employed by miners, which often result in poorly constructed tunnels that are susceptible to collapse. “People dig everywhere, without control or safety measures. In a single pit, there can be as many as 500 miners, and because the tunnels run parallel, one collapse can affect many pits at once,” he explained.
These hazardous conditions are far from isolated incidents; landslides are a frequent occurrence in the region. The lack of adequate safety measures and the informal nature of mining operations significantly escalate the risks faced by miners.
The Broader Context: Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Rubaya is located in a mineral-rich area of eastern Congo that has endured decades of violent conflict involving government forces and various armed groups, particularly the M23, which has been backed by Rwanda. The resurgence of the M23 has exacerbated an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with more than seven million people displaced across the region. Since December alone, over 300,000 individuals have fled their homes due to the escalating violence.
Congo is a vital supplier of coltan, a black metallic ore that contains tantalum, essential for the production of smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines. In 2023, the country accounted for approximately 40 per cent of the global coltan supply, with Rubaya’s mines contributing over 15 per cent of the world’s tantalum. Since the M23 seized control of Rubaya in May 2024, they have imposed taxes on the coltan trade, reportedly generating around $800,000 (£630,000) each month.
Despite ongoing negotiations and a US-brokered agreement between the Congolese and Rwandan governments aimed at restoring stability, fighting persists across various fronts, leading to significant civilian and military casualties. The deal also allows American firms access to these critical minerals, further complicating the situation.
Why it Matters
The tragedy at the Rubaya mines underscores the immense human cost of conflict and unregulated mining practices in eastern Congo. As the region grapples with a humanitarian crisis that has uprooted millions, the need for comprehensive safety regulations and conflict resolution strategies becomes ever more urgent. The international community must pay attention to the plight of those affected by such disasters, ensuring that mining practices do not come at the expense of human life and dignity.
