Over 200 Dead, Including 70 Children, in Landslides at DRC’s Rubaya Coltan Mine

Goma, DRC – Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have claimed the lives of over 200 people, including at least 70 children, at the Rubaya coltan mine in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The disaster, which occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, is complicating rescue efforts due to the mine’s location within a “red zone” controlled by the AFC/M23 rebel group since May 2024. A previous collapse at the same site in late January 2026 killed more than 200 people, bringing the total estimated death toll for the area this year to over 400.

Coltan Mining and the Rubaya Mines

Rubaya is a major coltan production site, accounting for approximately 15% of the world’s tantalum supply. [1] Tantalum, a heat-resistant metal, is a critical component in the manufacturing of electronics, aerospace components, and other modern technologies. [2]

Challenges to Rescue and Safety Concerns

The DRC government has designated the Rubaya mining area as a “red zone” since November 2023, officially prohibiting all mining and mineral trading. [2] Despite this designation, dangerous mining practices continue, often conducted by hand with little oversight and without adequate safety measures. [1] The presence of the M23 rebel group, which imposes taxes on coltan amounting to over $800,000 per month, [1] further complicates government rescue operations.

A senior official from the AFC/M23 rebel group initially reported a significantly lower death toll, claiming only five or six casualties. [3] However, the DRC’s mines ministry confirmed over 200 deaths, with around 70 of the victims being children. [4] Many injured individuals have been evacuated to health facilities in the city of Goma.

Recent History of Collapses

The March 4th landslide followed a similar disaster at the Rubaya coltan mine on January 28, 2026, which resulted in over 200 deaths. [1] Local residents reported that a landslide on a mountain named Kasasa engulfed numerous people in debris. [2]

International Cooperation and Future Concerns

The Congolese government recently included Rubaya in a minerals cooperation scheme with the United States, aiming to oversee safer operations at key mining sites. [2] However, the recurring collapses highlight the urgent require for improved safety regulations and oversight in the region, as well as addressing the influence of armed groups controlling vital mineral resources.