AP quoted Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the governor of North Kivu province, as saying that landslides caused by heavy rains led to the collapse of the Rubaya mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on January 28.
"Currently, over 200 people have been confirmed dead, while many others remain missing. Several others were injured and have been taken to three medical facilities in the town of Rubaya for treatment," Lumumba reported.
The governor of North Kivu province has temporarily suspended artisanal mining operations in the area and ordered the relocation of residents living near the mine.
Rubaya, located in the heart of eastern Congo, is a mineral-rich region of this Central African nation. However, for decades, Rubaya has been ravaged by fighting between government forces and armed groups, including the M23. The recent resurgence of this armed group has escalated the conflict and exacerbated the already severe humanitarian crisis in Congo.
Reportedly, more than 15% of the world's tantalum supply, a rare precious metal extracted from coltan and a key component in the production of smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines, comes from the Rubaya region.
In May 2024, M23 seized Rubaya and took control of the mines in the town. According to a UN report, since capturing Rubaya, the armed group has imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan.
>>> Readers are invited to watch a video about a previous apartment building collapse in India.
Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/sap-ham-mo-o-congo-hon-200-nguoi-thiet-mang-post2149086469.html
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