Over 100 Feared Dead in Landslide at DR Congo Mining Site

More than 100 people have reportedly died following a landslide at a coltan mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to local media.

The tragedy occurred on Tuesday at the Rubaya mining area in North Kivu province after heavy rainfall triggered the collapse, news portal Actuality reported, citing eyewitnesses. The victims were largely artisanal miners extracting coltan, as well as food vendors and other small-scale traders operating at the site.

Rescue efforts are ongoing under extremely difficult conditions, with workers using rudimentary tools to search for those still trapped. The site lies about 70 kilometres west of the provincial capital, Goma. Provincial authorities had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.

A survivor told local media that a mining shaft began to cave in gradually before collapsing within seconds, burying scores of people. Reports indicate that miners in the area operate without protective gear or professional engineering oversight to assess ground stability and warn of potential hazards.

The disaster comes barely a month after another landslide at the same location reportedly claimed over 400 lives. The mineral-rich area — known for deposits of coltan, cassiterite, gold and tourmaline — has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since 2024.

Following the previous incident, the government condemned what it described as the continued illegal exploitation of minerals in the area by the rebels.

Despite a ceasefire proposed by Angola and declared last month, with effect from February 18, fighting has reportedly intensified in North Kivu province, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.