Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Over 200 dead in Congo mine collapse
A very sad accident happened in a place called Rubaya in Congo.
A mine where people dig for a special metal called coltan collapsed, and more than 200 people died.
These people included miners, children, and women who sell things in the market.
Some people were saved but are hurt badly.
The mine is very important because it gives 15% of the world's coltan, which is used in phones, computers, and other things.
The area is controlled by a group called M23, who are rebels fighting the government.
Some people say M23 takes the minerals to get money for their fighting, and they are helped by the country next door, Rwanda.
Rwanda says this is not true.
The rebels want to take over the government and protect a group of people called Congolese Tutsi.
Over 200 people, including miners, children, and market women, died in a mine collapse in Rubaya, eastern Congo.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday, with updates as of Friday evening.
Rubaya produces around 15% of the world’s coltan, processed into tantalum for electronics and aerospace.
The mine has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since 2024.
The United Nations alleges M23 plunders the mine's riches to fund its insurgency, backed by Rwanda, which denies the allegation.
- Who
- Miners, children, market women, and others in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
- What
- A collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine
- When
- Wednesday, with updates as of Friday evening
- Where
- Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
- Why
- The precise cause is not specified, but the area is under the control of the M23 rebel group
United Nations
Rwanda
M23 Funding
United Nations
M23 plunders the mine's riches to fund its insurgency, backed by Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda denies allegations of backing M23 or involvement in the mine's plundering
- Location
- Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
- Date
- Wednesday, January 2024
- Victims
- More than 200, including miners, children, and market women
- Mineral
- Coltan (processed into tantalum)
- Rebel Group
- M23
- Global Production
- 15% of the world's coltan
- Control
- Under M23 control since 2024
- Allegations
- M23 plunders riches to fund insurgency, backed by Rwanda (denied by Kigali)
Sources
More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in east Congo, official says
More Than 200 Killed In Coltan Mine Collapse In Congo
Over 200 Killed In Coltan Mine Collapse In Eastern DR Congo: Report
Over 200 Killed in Coltan Mine Collapse in East Democratic Republic of Congo, Says Official
Congo Tragedy: Over 200 Feared Dead After Coltan Mine Collapse In Rubaya; Video