At least 200 people have died following the collapse of mines at the Rubaya coltan mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this week, according to rebel authorities. The incident occurred in a region known for its extraction of coltan, a mineral used in electronic devices such as smartphones and computers.
The Rubaya mines are a significant source of coltan, which is critical for the global technology supply chain. Efforts to confirm the exact death toll and cause of the collapse are ongoing.
**Why this matters**
Coltan is a vital component in the manufacture of many modern electronic products, making the safety and regulation of mining operations important for both local communities and global industries. The disaster highlights ongoing challenges in mining safety and governance in conflict-affected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: News Source