Mine Collapse: At least 227 people have died after a massive coltan mine collapsed in the Rubaya area of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident has caused widespread shock and concern. The collapse is believed to have been caused by a landslide following heavy rains on Wednesday. Many people are still feared trapped under the debris. A spokesperson for the provincial administration said that more than 200 people, including miners, children, and women working in a nearby market, were killed in the landslide.

Ground Collapsed Suddenly
According to the spokesperson, some people were rescued in time, but they sustained serious injuries. The area is currently experiencing the rainy season. The ground had become unstable, and it suddenly collapsed while people were working in the mine shafts.

Search Operation Still Underway
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday. According to an advisor to the governor, at least 227 deaths have been confirmed so far. He provided this information on the condition of anonymity. The mine is located about 60 kilometres northwest of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Authorities say some bodies have been recovered, and the search operation is still ongoing.

According to sources, the area is currently experiencing the rainy season, which has weakened and destabilised the ground. While people were working in the mine shafts, the ground suddenly collapsed from above, burying them alive.

The Rubaya region accounts for approximately 15% of global coltan production. This mineral is refined to extract tantalum, a valuable metal used in mobile phones, laptops, aerospace parts, and gas turbines.