Sipu Jha
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government said on Sunday it feared “at least 200 people” had been killed in a “massive” landslide at a militia-controlled mine in the country’s east earlier this week.The announcement followed a statement by rebel authorities, who also put the death toll at a minimum of 200.The collapse occurred on Wednesday at the Rubaya mines, controlled by M23 rebels, according to Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu province. He attributed the landslide to heavy rainfall.“So far, more than 200 people are feared dead, some of whose bodies remain trapped in the mud and have yet to be recovered. Several others were injured and taken to three health facilities in Rubaya, while ambulances were expected to transfer the wounded to Goma,” Muyisa said, referring to the nearest city about 50 kilometres (30 miles) away.The rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu has temporarily suspended artisanal mining at the site and ordered the relocation of residents who had built shelters near the mine, the spokesperson added.In a statement posted on X, the Congolese government expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and accused the rebels of illegally and dangerously exploiting the region’s natural resources.Rubaya lies in eastern Congo, a mineral-rich region that has been ravaged for decades by violence involving government forces and multiple armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23. The group’s recent resurgence has escalated the conflict, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis.Congo is a major global supplier of coltan, a black metallic ore containing tantalum, which is used in the manufacture of smartphones, computers and aircraft engines. The country accounted for about 40% of global coltan production in 2023, according to the US Geological Survey, with Australia, Canada and Brazil among other leading producers. More than 15% of the world’s tantalum supply comes from Rubaya’s mines.M23 seized the town and its mines in May 2024. A UN report said the group has since imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, generating at least $800,000 a month.Eastern Congo has faced recurring crises for decades, resulting in one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies. More than seven million people have been displaced, including over 300,000 who have fled their homes since December last year.Despite a US-brokered agreement between the Congolese and Rwandan governments and ongoing talks involving the rebels, fighting continues on several fronts, causing further civilian and military casualties. The deal also grants the US government and American companies greater access to critical minerals.(With agency inputs)
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