Mine collapse in eastern Congo leaves 200 dead, authorities say
A mine collapse at a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo left at least 200 dead, according to Congolese authorities, a number disputed by the rebel group that controls the mine. The collapse took place Tuesday at the Rubaya mines, which are controlled by the M23 rebel group, Congo’s Ministry of Mines said in a statement on Wednesday.
But senior M23 official Fanny Kaj disputed the figure, saying that the collapse was caused by “bombings” and only five people had been killed. “I can confirm that what people are publishing is not true. There was no landslide; there were bombings, and the death toll isn’t what people are saying. It’s simply about five people who died,” Kaj said. Ibrahim Taluseke, a miner at the site, said that he had helped to recover more than 200 bodies from the area.US will 'bitterly regret' sinking Iranian warship, foreign minister warns — as ayatollah calls for Trump's blood Iranian-American activist torches Kamala Harris over former VP's criticism of Iran bombings: 'Who are you?' “We are afraid, but these are lives that are in danger,” said Taluseke. “The owners of the pits do not accept that the exact number of deaths be revealed.” Rubaya lies in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich part of the Central African nation which for decades has been ripped apart by violence from government forces and different armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 group, whose recent resurgence has escalated the conflict, worsening an already acute humanitarianThe country produced about 40% of the world’s coltan in 2023, according to the US Geological Survey, with Australia, Canada, and Brazil being other big suppliers.In May 2024, M23 seized the town and took control of its mines. According to a UN report, since seizing Rubaya, the rebels have imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, generating at least $800,000 a month.The collapse took place Tuesday at the Rubaya mines, which are controlled by the M23 rebel group, Congo’s Ministry of Mines said in a statement on Wednesday.In June, the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed a peace deal brokered by the US, and negotiations continue between rebels and the Congo. However, fighting continues on several fronts in eastern Congo, continuing to claim numerous civilian and military casualties. The deal between Congo and Rwanda also opens up access to critical minerals for the US government and American companies.US will 'bitterly regret' sinking Iranian warship, foreign minister warns — as ayatollah calls for Trump's blood Iranian-American activist torches Kamala Harris over former VP's criticism of Iran bombings: 'Who are you?'Christie Brinkley professes her love for Martha Stewart’s skincare line: ‘Where can I get more?’The collapse took place Tuesday at the Rubaya mines, which are controlled by the M23 rebel group, Congo’s Ministry of Mines said in a statement on Wednesday.
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