Congo: At Least 200 Dead in Mine Landslide

At least 200 people, including approximately 70 children, have died in a landslide at a coltan mine in Rubaya, Democratic Republic of Congo. The accident was caused by heavy rainfall.

The Rubaya mine, controlled by the M23 armed group, produces 15-30% of the world's coltan, a mineral of strategic importance to the electronics industry. According to eyewitnesses, the landslide occurred at the 'Gassassa quarry', near Goma.

Authorities have issued an evacuation order for the area. The mine is mainly worked by illegal laborers, and the M23 is allegedly collecting revenue from the production and trade of minerals.

In recent days, clashes have been raging in the area between government forces and the M23.