At least 12 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DR Congo

Al Jazeera

A mine collapse in rebel-held eastern DR Congo has left at least 12 people dead, with others managing to escape. The cause of the disaster remains unknown.

At least 12 people were killed when a coltan mine collapsed on Thursday near Rubaya in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to both a mining source and a civil society representative. The incident occurred at an artisanal mining site, with dozens reportedly escaping the collapse.

The specific cause of the mine's failure has yet to be determined. Artisanal mining is often conducted with limited safety measures, leaving workers vulnerable to fatal accidents.

The region, known for its rich deposits of coltan — a key mineral used in the manufacture of smartphones and electronic devices — has been under the control of M23 rebels since mid-2024. Rebel officials have told Reuters that they levy a 15% tax on coltan production in the area, which accounts for approximately one-sixth of global supply.

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