Over 200 Killed in DR Congo Coltan Mine Collapse; Search Operations Underway

• Over 200 people died in a devastating collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• The incident occurred on Wednesday, with the full casualty count confirmed by Friday.
• Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor, confirmed the death toll and reported 20 injured.
• Victims include miners, children, and market women; some rescued individuals sustained serious injuries.
• The Rubaya mine, located 60km northwest of Goma, supplies 15% of global coltan and is controlled by the AFC/M23 rebel group.

Why It Matters: A coltan mine collapse in eastern DR Congo killed over 200, highlighting dangers in rebel-controlled mining areas.