Miners digging for world tech material are dying in Congo. Here’s why
#Congo #cobalt mining #artisanal miners #fatalities #tech industry #unsafe conditions #supply chain ethics
📌 Key Takeaways
- Artisanal miners in Congo face high mortality rates due to unsafe working conditions.
- Cobalt mining, essential for global tech, is linked to these fatalities.
- Lack of regulation and oversight exacerbates risks in the mining sector.
- International demand for cobalt drives hazardous informal mining practices.
📖 Full Retelling
A tunnel collapse at a rebel-run coltan mine in eastern Congo is feared to have killed at least 200 people, officials said
🏷️ Themes
Mining Safety, Global Supply Chains
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Original Source
Miners digging for world tech material are dying in Congo. Here’s why A tunnel collapse at a rebel-run coltan mine in eastern Congo is feared to have killed at least 200 people, officials said By WILSON MCMAKIN Associated Press March 5, 2026, 9:09 AM DAKAR, Senegal -- A landslide that collapsed several tunnels at a major coltan mine in eastern Congo is reported to have left at least 200 people dead in the rebel-controlled site. Rebels and government spokespeople traded accusations of responsibility and disputed the death toll, however analysts say that the collapses are the deadliest in years. The collapse follows a similar event in January that also left over 200 dead in an area already facing a humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict. In May 2024, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group seized the town of Rubaya and took control of its mines . Here’s what to know about the collapse: Several hand-dug tunnels collapsed on Tuesday, killing at least 200 artisanal miners, according to the Congolese Ministry of Mines. The mine, located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of the regional capital, Goma, employs thousands of miners who operate largely by hand. Miners dig long tunnels, often parallel to one another, with limited support and no safe evacuation route in case of a collapse. Details about the collapse are sparse due to the mine's remoteness and the pressure on the miners from rebels and mine owners to stay quiet afterward. Ibrahim Taluseke, a miner at Rubaya, told The Associated Press that because mine owners must pay $300 to victims' families, there is an incentive to obfuscate the true death toll. “Imagine if you give a high number, these owners could even eliminate you. Because often they even hide the victims’ bodies to avoid compensation,” said Taluseke. Other miners gave varying death tolls from the collapse. Popular Reads Largest US military base in Middle East hit by missile, Qatar says Mar 3, 10:02 PM Iran live updates: US torpedo attack on Iran warship 'a...
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