A devastating mining catastrophe has struck the rebel-controlled town of Rubaya in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 individuals, according to statements from M23 rebel authorities. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when substantial rainfall triggered the structural failure of a coltan mining operation.
Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the North Kivu region’s rebel-appointed governor, confirmed the collapse but noted that initial death toll assessments remained uncertain. Among the victims were numerous women and children who were engaged in artisanal mining activities at the time of the disaster.
Coltan, the mineral being extracted, represents a critical component in global electronics manufacturing, utilized extensively in smartphones, computers, and other devices. The metallic ore contains tantalum, essential for producing high-performance capacitors in electronic equipment.
According to a former mine supervisor who spoke with BBC, the site had suffered from significant maintenance neglect under rebel management, substantially increasing accident risks and complicating rescue operations. The geological instability of the local soil further exacerbated the situation.
Approximately 20 survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. One anonymous source, whose cousin perished in the collapse, described the personal tragedy: ‘I didn’t believe he could pass away in such circumstances. His body wasn’t found immediately after the accident, so I maintained hope he might be found alive. Unfortunately, his body was discovered hours later.’ The victim was remembered as a courageous and ambitious family man dedicated to supporting his wife and two children.
Erasto Bahati Musanga, the M23-appointed governor, visited injured survivors on Friday. The M23 rebel group, which international observers assert receives backing from neighboring Rwanda, seized control of extensive territories in North Kivu including Rubaya in 2024. The United Nations has accused the rebels of imposing illicit taxes on the mining sector for their benefit.
Rubaya’s mines represent approximately 15% of global coltan reserves and half of DR Congo’s total deposits. A BBC visit to the site in July 2025 revealed perilous working conditions with miners extracting the valuable mineral manually through dangerous, primitive methods amidst numerous hazardous pits.
The BBC has reached out to the Congolese government in Kinshasa for official commentary regarding the disaster.