Gold Mine Collapse in Eastern DRC Kills at Least 10 Amid Ongoing Conflict
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a gold mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Douglas Dunia Masumbuko, the M23-appointed governor of South Kivu province.
The incident occurred at the Luhihi mine, with Masumbuko warning that the death toll could rise due to the number of injuries sustained. He attributed the collapse to “uncontrolled construction and poor maintenance of gold wells” in the area.
Mining accidents are common in the DRC, particularly at small, artisanal mining sites where safety standards are often lacking.
The tragedy comes as M23 rebels continue to escalate their presence in eastern Congo, having seized the region’s two largest cities earlier this year.
The ongoing conflict, rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over Congo’s rich mineral resources, has displaced thousands.
However, there is a faint sign of hope: Congo’s government and M23 representatives, after talks in Qatar, pledged on Wednesday to work towards peace.
Former South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, who held office before M23’s takeover, confirmed the mine collapse but did not provide specific casualty figures.
