Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — 1 February 2026 (AGP) — A massive landslip in a coltan mine in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has resulted in a feared death toll of at least 200 people, according to official statements.
The incident occurred in a mine under the control of the antigovernment armed group M23, which uses the site to export coltan to its ally in Rwanda.
The Rubaya mining area, spanning several dozen square kilometers, is a significant source of coltan, a mineral crucial for the global electronics industry.
The DRC holds at least 60% of the world’s coltan reserves.
According to regional officials, the mine produces between 15% and 30% of the world’s coltan.
The Rubaya mines have been under the control of M23 since April 2024, and the region has been affected by conflicts for over three decades.
The government of the DRC has not yet commented on the incident, but sources close to the matter suggest that the conditions in the mine, particularly for artisanal miners, are precarious and lack safety measures, which could have contributed to the incident. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
The incident highlights the risks faced by miners in the region, as well as the broader issues of conflict and exploitation surrounding the mining of coltan.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
