Congo Mine Bridge Collapse Kills Dozens of Illegal Miners
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At least 36 people were killed and dozens more injured on November 15, 2025, when a bridge at the Kalando mine in Lualaba province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), collapsed due too overcrowding. The incident underscores the dangers faced by artisanal miners operating in the DRC’s resource-rich but often lawless mining regions, and highlights ongoing tensions between illegal diggers, security forces, and legitimate mining operations.
Incident Details & Conflicting Reports
The bridge collapse occured at a copper and cobalt mine in Mulondo, Lualaba province. According to Roy Kaumba Mayonde, the province’s Interior Minister, the bridge gave way after being overwhelmed by illegal miners who had bypassed restrictions put in place due to heavy rainfall and landslide risks. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/congo-bridge-collapse-kills-dozens-illegal-miners-2025-11-17/
Initial reports varied regarding the death toll. Mayonde initially reported at least 32 fatalities, while a report from the Congo’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Support and Guidance Service (SAEMAPE) indicated at least 40 deaths. Reuters reported, as of November 17, 2025, that at least 36 people had died. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/congo-bridge-collapse-kills-dozens-illegal-miners-2025-11-17/ The SAEMAPE report also stated that gunfire from soldiers at the site triggered a panic among the miners, causing them to rush towards the bridge, contributing to its collapse.
Context: Artisanal Mining and Cobalt Production in the DRC
The DRC is the world’s leading producer of cobalt, a critical mineral used in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and other technologies.https://www.voanews.com/a/drc-cobalt-mining-conditions-under-scrutiny/7364991.html Approximately 70% of the world’s cobalt supply originates from the DRC. However, much of this cobalt is mined by artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) – individuals and small groups who often operate illegally and under dangerous conditions.
The ASM sector is characterized by:
* Informal Operations: Lack of regulation and oversight.
* Dangerous Working Conditions: unstable mineshafts,lack of safety equipment,and exposure to hazardous materials.
* Child Labor: Widespread reports of children working in the mines. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/09/democratic-republic-congo-cobalt-mining-risks-children
* Corruption: Illegal taxation and exploitation by armed groups.
Chinese companies control a meaningful portion – estimated at around 80% – of cobalt production in the DRC. https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/democratic-republic-congo
Ongoing Security Concerns and Disputes
The presence of soldiers at the Kalando mine highlights the complex security situation in eastern DRC. The region has been plagued by decades of conflict involving government forces, various armed groups, and disputes over mineral resources. The recent resurgence of the M23 rebel group has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and further destabilized the region. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/02/29/drc-m23-rebels-advance-towards-goma-after-fighting-with-army
the SAEMAPE report indicates a dispute existed between wild