Trending Now - Congo Mine Collapse Claims Over 200 Lives Amid Disputed Reports

WHO:

Congolese authorities

M23 rebel group

Fanny Kaj, senior official in the M23

Ibrahim Taluseke, miner at the site

WHAT:

A mine collapse at the Rubaya coltan site resulted in at least 200 deaths, according to Congolese authorities.

The M23 rebel group disputed the death toll, claiming only five people were killed.

Fanny Kaj stated, “I can confirm that what people are publishing is not true. There was no landslide; there were bombings, and the death toll isn’t what people are saying. It’s simply about five people who died.”

Ibrahim Taluseke reported helping to recover over 200 bodies from the area.

A similar collapse occurred in February 2026, killing over 200 people.

WHERE:

Rubaya coltan mining site, eastern Congo

WHEN:

The mine collapse occurred on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The statement from Congo's Ministry of Mines was released on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

M23 seized control of Rubaya in May 2024.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that Congo produced about 40% of the world’s coltan in 2023.

WHY:

The collapse was attributed to “bombings” according to the M23, while authorities indicated it was a landslide.

The region has been affected by violence from government forces and armed groups, including the M23, leading to an acute humanitarian crisis.

HOW:

The M23 has imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, generating at least $800,000 a month since taking control of the mines.

A tragic mine collapse at the Rubaya coltan site in eastern Congo on Tuesday resulted in at least 200 deaths, according to Congolese authorities, although the M23 rebel group disputes this figure, claiming only five fatalities. Senior M23 official Fanny Kaj insisted that the reports of a landslide are false, attributing the incident to bombings, while miner Ibrahim Taluseke reported assisting in the recovery of over 200 bodies. This disaster follows a similar collapse in February that also claimed over 200 lives, highlighting the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in the region exacerbated by the M23's control over the mines since May 2024.