politics
January 31, 2026
More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DRC, officials say
Rubaya mine produces about 15% of the world’s coltan, which is processed into tantalum, used in mobile phones

TL;DR
- Over 200 people have died in a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Rubaya mine produces approximately 15% of the world's coltan, essential for electronics and aerospace industries.
- The mine is under the control of the M23 rebel group, who reportedly use its riches to fund their insurgency.
- The collapse occurred on Wednesday and was caused by heavy rains.
- Artisanal mining at the site has been temporarily halted, and residents near the mine are to be relocated.
- The M23 rebels captured more mineral-rich territory in eastern Congo last year.
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