Rubaya coltan mine collapse kills over 20 people, DR Congo
At least 21 fatalities were reported following a coltan mine collapse in the Masisi territory of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
At least 21 people have died after a coltan mine collapsed Thursday in Rubaya, a mining town in Masisi territory, North Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, local officials said Friday.
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 20, 2025
Rescue teams have recovered the bodies and saved around 100 people so… pic.twitter.com/2ozt4lCmlL
A coltan mine collapsed in Rubaya, claiming at least 21 lives, local authorities confirmed on Friday, June 20. The death toll remains provisional and could rise as rescue operations continue. Dozens of miners reportedly escaped the disaster by a narrow margin, according to local sources.
Meanwhile, around 100 people have been rescued from the mine, according to Masisi administrator’s office. Many more are suspected to be stuck inside the mine. The cause of the mine’s collapse remains under investigation.
The eastern DRC has long been plagued by armed conflict and illegal mining activities. Mine collapses are a persistent occurrence within Congo’s largely informal mining sector, where safety regulations are often minimal or unenforced.
Coltan is the ore from which tantalum is extracted from. Rubaya possesses one of the world’s largest coltan reserves, and has been under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group since April 2024.
The area includes both open-pit and underground operations involving thousands of miners who work on a daily basis.
Tantalum is essential for the production of smartphones, fighter jets, medical implants, and other advanced electronic devices.
Rubaya mines alone are estimated by the United Nations to account for more than 15% of the global tantalum supply.
Feature image credit: Radio Okapi/Denise Lukesso
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.