Families mourn victims of Congo mine collapse as search for survivors continues
On Mon, Oct 9, 2023, families and survivors gathered in Goma, eastern Congo, to mourn the victims of the recent Rubaya coltan mine collapse. Heavy rains led to a landslide that crushed several tunnels, resulting in the death of at least 200 miners.
On Mon, Oct 9, 2023, families and survivors gathered in Goma, eastern Congo, to mourn the victims of the recent Rubaya coltan mine collapse. Heavy rains led to a landslide that crushed several tunnels, resulting in the death of at least 200 miners.
The collapse occurred at the Rubaya mines, located approximately 40 kilometers west of Goma. This site is controlled by the M23 rebel group, which has overseen the area since 2024. The mine is a significant source of coltan, a mineral crucial for the production of mobile phones, computers, and military technology.
Artisanal miners in the region often work with inadequate supports and escape routes, creating hazardous conditions. A single collapse can trigger additional collapses, trapping numerous workers.
On Mon, Oct 9, 2023, families and survivors gathered in Goma, eastern Congo, to mourn the victims of the recent Rubaya coltan mine collapse.
The search for survivors continues, with M23 authorities halting artisanal mining at the site following the incident. Efforts to retrieve victims and survivors are ongoing.
The government of Congo expressed solidarity with the victims' families and accused the M23 rebel group of illegally and unsafely exploiting the natural resources in the region.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
