In brief
Over 200 people were killed in a mine collapse in Rubaya, DR Congo, exacerbated by heavy rains and inadequate maintenance. Many of the victims were artisanal miners, including women and children, with approximately 20 survivors receiving medical treatment. The mine, crucial for coltan used in electronics, is controlled by M23 rebels, raising concerns over safety and operational conditions.
More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities have said.
The mine, in the town of Rubaya, gave way on Wednesday due to heavy rains, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the North Kivu region's rebel governor, told reporters. At the time, the death toll remained unclear.
Women and children were among those mining coltan - a mineral used to manufacture electronics such as smartphones and computers - at the time.
A former supervisor of the mine told the BBC that the site was not properly maintained, making accidents more likely and hampering rescue efforts when they occur.
He added that the fragile nature of the soil made the situation worse.
Women, children and artisanal miners - those not officially employed by a mining firm - are among those killed in the collapse. Around 20 survivors are said to be receiving treatment in hospital.
A source whose cousin died in the landslide expressed shock, stating it was a big loss for the family and community.
Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga, appointed by M23 rebels after seizing swathes of territory in North Kivu, visited survivors of the incident on Friday.
The Rubaya mines hold about 15% of the world's coltan supply and half of the DR Congo's total deposits. The metallic ore contains tantalum, which is used to produce high-performance capacitors in a range of electronic devices, increasing its global demand.
