At least 12 people have lost their lives following the collapse of a coltan mine in the Rubaya area of North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local mining and civil society sources reported on Friday. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday at one of the many artisanal mines in the region, which are known for producing a significant portion of the world’s coltan—an essential metallic ore used in the manufacture of smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
The exact cause of the collapse remains unknown, but preliminary accounts suggest that dozens of miners managed to escape the site as it gave way. The victims, according to sources, were working in dangerous and unregulated conditions typical of the informal mining sector in the DRC.
Artisanal mining in Rubaya contributes approximately one-sixth of the global coltan supply. Despite its economic significance, the sector is plagued by hazardous working environments, lack of safety oversight, and exploitation. The situation has been further complicated by the presence of M23 rebels, who seized control of the area in mid-2024.
Rebel authorities have confirmed to Reuters that they impose a 15% tax on the value of all coltan extracted from the region, adding a layer of risk and cost to an already perilous industry. Their control over mining operations underscores the complex nexus between conflict and natural resource exploitation in eastern Congo—a longstanding driver of instability in the region.
This latest disaster highlights the urgent need for improved safety standards and greater international accountability in the sourcing of critical minerals. Human rights organizations have long called for reforms to protect miners and ensure supply chains are free from conflict financing and labor abuses.
As rescue efforts wind down and communities mourn the dead, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the human cost embedded in the devices we use daily. The global tech industry now faces renewed pressure to demand transparency and ethical sourcing from its supply chains, many of which trace back to the rugged hills of North Kivu.
