DR Congo Mine Collapse: Over 200 Dead, 20 Survivors

Thairath•International•232d ago

Reader Briefing

A tin mine collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in over 200 fatalities and 20 survivors are receiving hospital treatment.

•Over 200 people have died in a mine collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
•The incident occurred in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on Wednesday, January 28th.
•Approximately 20 survivors are being treated in hospital.
•Heavy rains are cited as the cause, with women and children among those mining for coltan.
•The mine is controlled by the M23 group, reportedly supported by Rwanda.

•On Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, the death toll from the mine collapse in Rubaya, Democratic Republic of Congo exceeded 200.
•The mine collapse in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, occurred on Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026.
•The mine in Rubaya collapsed due to heavy rainfall, resulting in a significant loss of life.
•Over 200 individuals died in the mine collapse, with approximately 20 survivors receiving hospital care.
•The deceased and survivors were individuals mining for coltan, a mineral essential for electronic devices.
•The mine is located in an area under the control of the M23 group, which international observers suggest is backed by Rwanda.
•An ex-mine supervisor stated that the mining area was inadequately maintained, increasing accident risk and hindering rescue efforts.
•The mine in Rubaya is a crucial resource, holding 15% of the world's coltan reserves and half of the Democratic Republic of Congo's reserves, due to its coltan content which includes tantalum for high-performance capacitors.