Rubaya: At least 200 miners have died following the collapse of several mine shafts at coltan sites in Rubaya, located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The March 23 Movement rebel group confirmed the fatalities on Friday, emphasizing that the majority of the deceased were artisanal miners. Women and children were also reported to be among those killed.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the tragic incidents took place on Wednesday and Thursday across various coltan mines in Rubaya. This region has been under the control of the rebel group since April 2024. Coltan, also known as columbite-tantalite, is crucial for obtaining tantalum, a metal essential for advanced electronics. The United Nations has estimated that the mines in Rubaya contribute approximately 15 percent of the global tantalum supply.