More than 200 workers were trapped and killed in a devastating coltan mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this week, according to officials. The Rubaya mine, which produces a significant portion of the world's coltan, was taken over by rebel forces affiliated with the M23 group in 2024. Local miners were reportedly digging for just a few dollars a day when the tragedy struck on Wednesday.
The cause of the disaster has been attributed to heavy rains, but officials say that several others are still trapped under the rubble and have not yet been recovered. The confirmed death toll is currently at least 227, with many more believed to be injured.
Rebel-appointed officials in North Kivu province have temporarily halted mining operations at the site, and residents who had built homes near the mine have been ordered to relocate. The move comes as aid efforts are underway to support those affected by the disaster.
The M23 rebellion has long been accused of exploiting the region's mineral wealth to fund its insurgency. Neighboring Rwanda has denied these allegations, despite evidence suggesting that the country is backing the rebel group's efforts.
The cause of the disaster has been attributed to heavy rains, but officials say that several others are still trapped under the rubble and have not yet been recovered. The confirmed death toll is currently at least 227, with many more believed to be injured.
Rebel-appointed officials in North Kivu province have temporarily halted mining operations at the site, and residents who had built homes near the mine have been ordered to relocate. The move comes as aid efforts are underway to support those affected by the disaster.
The M23 rebellion has long been accused of exploiting the region's mineral wealth to fund its insurgency. Neighboring Rwanda has denied these allegations, despite evidence suggesting that the country is backing the rebel group's efforts.
coltan mine collapse is one thing, but to know that innocent people were digging for pennies and got trapped in such a tragic accident 
... it's just not right. and now with all these ppl still stuck under the rubble? my heart goes out to their families and loved ones 
. gotta hope those rebel forces take responsibility and start working on a plan to rescue the rest ASAP 
. and can we please make sure that these types of disasters don't happen again in our lifetime? 
they were digging for pennies a day and then this happens what was supposed to bring them some income ended up taking their lives instead 
heavy rains or not it's still inexcusable that they were trapped under all that rubble and didn't make it out alive 
at least 227 confirmed dead and many more injured, i hope aid efforts can help them recover from this trauma 
meanwhile the people of Rwanda need to come clean about their alleged support for M23, we should know the truth 
and now all those families are left to pick up the pieces, with no way to know what happened to their loved ones or when they'll be able to recover from this tragedy 
This mine collapse is just devastating 
, but 227+ people trapped under the rubble? 
, and this tragedy is just another example of how corrupt systems can lead to disasters like this.
. And now, residents are being forced to relocate 
? Like, what about their homes? Their lives?
The whole situation with the M23 rebellion and Rwanda backing them is just shady 
. Evidence speaks for itself, and it's hard to believe that they're denying these allegations 
. This tragedy could've been avoided if everyone was looking out for each other 
instead of chasing after power and profit 
