A devastating bridge collapse at a cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people, with rescuers still searching for survivors. The incident occurred at the Kalando mine in the southern Lualaba province on Saturday, where unauthorized miners had forcibly entered the site despite a ban. According to local official Roy Kaumba Mayonde, military personnel guarding the mine reportedly fired shots, causing panic among the miners. In their haste to flee, the miners overloaded a makeshift bridge, leading to its collapse. The military has yet to comment on these allegations. DR Congo, the world’s largest supplier of cobalt—a critical component for electric vehicle batteries—has long struggled with safety and regulation in its artisanal mining sector. Approximately 1.5 to 2 million people work in this unregulated industry, which supplies copper, cobalt, and other minerals to global markets. Mayonde described the incident as “tragic” and highlighted the recurring issue of illegal miners invading mining concessions. The miners had constructed the unstable bridge themselves, which could not withstand the sudden rush of people. Unverified images on social media show the aftermath, with locals witnessing the grim scene. Congolese authorities have urged artisanal miners to consider government-sponsored training in agribusiness to prevent such tragedies. The cobalt extraction process in DR Congo has been marred by allegations of child labor, human rights abuses, and corruption, further complicating the industry’s challenges.