More Than 200 Killed as Coltan Mine Collapses in DR Congo

More than 200 people are feared dead after a coltan mine collapsed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to international media reports.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in the Rubaya area of eastern Congo, a province under the influence of a rebel group. Reports said the mine caved in due to a landslide, and by Friday the exact number of casualties had yet to be confirmed.
Media sources reported that women and children were among the victims. At least 20 people were seriously injured in the accident and were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Local authorities in Rubaya said the collapse was caused by heavy rains during the rainy season, which softened the ground and led to the mine caving in, trapping people inside.
Rubaya is a major hub for coltan mining and is estimated to produce around 15 percent of the world’s coltan. The mineral is used to extract tantalum, a key metal widely used in the manufacturing of mobile phones, computers, aerospace equipment, and turbines.