According to Muisa, among the victims of the collapse are miners, children, and traders who were at the market. He also reported that some people were rescued at the last moment but sustained serious injuries, without providing further details. The governor's advisor confirmed that the total number of victims has already reached 227, and efforts to clarify the situation are ongoing.
The incident occurred at the Rubaya mine, where coltan is extracted—a metal ore that accounts for about 15% of global production. Coltan is used in the production of tantalum, a heat-resistant metal that is in demand for making mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and gas turbines.
Since 2024, the mine has been under the control of the rebel group M23, known as the "March 23 Movement," operating in the DRC. The UN accuses M23 of using revenues from mineral extraction to finance the rebellion with support from Rwanda, a claim that the authorities in Kigali deny.
