Officials of the M23 rebel forces appointed in the Democratic Republic of Congo said on January 31 that a landslide earlier this week collapsed many mines at a large coltan mining area in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 200 people.
Mr. Lumumba Kambere Muyisa - spokesman for the governor of North Kivu appointed by M23, said that the mine collapse occurred on January 28 at the Rubaya mines, an area controlled by M23. The cause of the mine collapse was heavy rain.
“As of this time, more than 200 people have died, some of whom are still buried in mud and have not been found,” he said.
The mine collapse injured many others and they were taken to 3 medical facilities in Rubaya town for treatment. In addition, ambulances are expected to transfer the injured victims to Goma city, about 50km away, on January 31.
Rubaya is located in the center of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a mineral-rich region of this Central African country.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a major supplier of coltan ore, a type of black metal ore containing the rare metal tantal, an important component in the production of smartphones, computers and aircraft engines.
In 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo produced about 40% of the world's coltan; other major suppliers include Australia, Canada and Brazil. More than 15% of the global tantal supply comes from mines in Rubaya.
