A devastating landslide at an artisanal coltan mine in Rubaya, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has killed more than 200 people as of January 31, 2026, according to local officials and rebel sources. The collapse occurred late January 28 after heavy rains destabilized a makeshift pit where hundreds of miners, traders, and children were working. Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed 200 deaths, while an advisor estimated 227 buried, including market women and young boys scavenging minerals.
The site, controlled by M23 rebels since early 2025, highlights dangers of unregulated artisanal mining that supplies 15% of global coltan—key for smartphone capacitors. Rescue efforts are hampered by ongoing fighting; only 20 survivors pulled out initially, with heavy machinery absent. UN reports note similar incidents kill dozens yearly amid poverty driving 300,000+ into these hazardous sites.
Congo's mineral wealth fuels conflict; coltan exports fund armed groups while locals bear risks. Government blames rebels for lax safety; M23 calls it "act of God" but vows probes. Toll may rise as digging continues manually.
