More than 200 people have been killed in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebel authorities said yesterday, according to the BBC.
The mine, in the town of Rubaya, gave way due to heavy rains, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the North Kivu region’s rebel governor, told reporters. At the time, the death toll remained unclear.
Women and children were among those mining coltan – a mineral used to manufacture electronics such as smartphones and computers – at the time.
A former supervisor of the mine told the BBC the site was not properly maintained, making accidents more likely and hampering rescue efforts when they occur. He added that the fragile nature of the soil made the situation worse.
Women, children and artisanal miners – those not officially employed by a mining firm – are among those killed in the collapse. Around 20 survivors are said to be receiving treatment in hospital.
A source whose cousin died in the landslide expressed shock, saying it was “a big loss” for the family and community.
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