Deadly Landslides at DRC's Coltan Mines Under M23 Control Kill Hundreds

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced a series of fatal landslides at its Rubaya coltan mines since early 2026, with reports indicating that hundreds of people have been killed. These mines, located in the conflict-ridden region controlled by the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group, are a critical global source of coltan, a mineral used extensively in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

The landslides, which occurred during the rainy season—a period when such incidents are more common—have raised concerns over the safety and working conditions at these informal mining sites. With access to the region restricted for journalists and many NGOs, the exact number of casualties remains uncertain. However, Bellingcat, an open-source investigative group, has verified multiple incidents through media reports and statements from authorities, confirming that entire villages were buried and residents near the mine were among those killed.

The DRC government attributed the landslides to illegal mining practices by M23 and its associated groups, while M23-appointed officials cited heavy rains as the cause. The Rubaya mines, notorious for their treacherous working conditions, employ an estimated 10,000 to 11,000 miners who earn minimal wages. The lack of reliable on-the-ground reporting has made it difficult to ascertain the full scale of the disaster, but the events highlight the dangers faced by those working in these unregulated mining sites.

The incident underscores the broader implications of coltan extraction in conflict zones, where human rights abuses and environmental degradation often go unchecked. As global demand for electronic devices continues to rise, pressure mounts on tech companies to ensure their supply chains are free from ethical violations. The tragedy in Rubaya serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of resource extraction in regions plagued by instability and conflict.