2026 Rubaya mine collapse
.jpg) The Rubaya mines in 2014 | |
| Date | January 28, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Rubaya mines |
| Cause | Landslides caused by heavy rain |
| Deaths | 200+ |
| Non-fatal injuries | ~20 |
On 28 January 2026, a severe collapse occurred at the Rubaya mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), killing over 200 people.[1] The mine collapse was caused by a landslide that was the result of years of poor mining practices and a lack of maintenance. Several individual mines collapsed in the landslide.[2]
Background
[edit]The Rubaya mines in the eastern DRC have been controlled by M23 rebels since 2024. M23 has since imposed taxes on coltan, which is mined at Rubaya, amounting to over $800,000 per month.[2] The Rubaya mines account for over 15% of the world's tantalum supply.[2][3] Mine tunnels are often dug by hand with little oversight and without safety measures. The tunnels are over-mined and left without maintenance for years. Up to 500 miners could work in one mining pit.[2]
Landslide and collapse
[edit]Heavy rains caused a major landslide at the Rubaya mines on 28 January 2026.[2] Two landslides were reported: one on the afternoon of 28 January and one on the morning of 29 January.[3] Several individual mines collapsed as a result of the landslide.[2]
Aftermath
[edit]Over 200 people were estimated to have been killed in the collapse.[2] However, rescue efforts were complicated by mud, and not all bodies were recovered.[2][3] Around 20 injured miners were taken to hospitals in the town of Rubaya and the nearest large city, Goma.[2][4]
The M23-appointed governor of North Kivu province, Erasto Bahati Musanga, halted artisanal mining at the Rubaya mines site and ordered nearby residents to relocate.[2][4]
References
[edit]- ^ "More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DRC, officials say". The Guardian. Reuters. 2026-01-30. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Mine collapses in eastern Congo, leaving at least 200 dead". AP News. 2026-01-31. Archived from the original on 2026-02-01. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
- ^ a b c "DRC: Many killed in coltan mine disaster in east — rebels". dw.com. Archived from the original on 2026-02-01. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
- ^ a b "DR Congo: More than 200 killed in mine collapse". www.bbc.com. 2026-02-01. Retrieved 2026-02-01.