A landslide at a rebel-held tantalum mine in eastern Congo killed more than 200 people, including 70 children, according to the country's mines ministry. The collapse occurred near Rubaya on March 3 after heavy rains triggered what officials called an 'extreme' disaster in one of the world's richest coltan deposits.

This marks the second deadly incident at Rubaya in months, following a January collapse that killed hundreds. The area has been controlled by M23 rebels since April 2024, backed by Rwanda, which has been sanctioned by the US for supporting the militant group. Congo's government condemned the 'precarious mining conditions' in territory outside state control.

The tragedy highlights the dangerous conditions facing artisanal miners in Congo, which supplies 52% of global tantalum production. Efforts to mechanize operations at Rubaya have been hampered by decades of conflict. Companies including Mercuria Energy Group and TechMet Ltd. have discussed developing the site if peace holds following a December agreement brokered by the Trump administration.