A catastrophic mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 200 people, according to reports from local authorities and humanitarian sources.
The incident occurred at an artisanal gold mine in the Kibali area of Ituri province, one of the most unstable and conflict-affected regions in the country.
Rescue efforts are ongoing but extremely difficult due to:
Remote location
Ongoing insecurity from armed groups
Unstable ground and risk of further collapses
Local officials and civil society groups say the death toll could rise further as many miners remain trapped underground. The exact number of missing persons is still unknown.
Artisanal mining in eastern DRC is often unregulated, highly dangerous, and frequently controlled or taxed by armed militias. Collapses, flooding, toxic gas, and violence are common causes of mass casualties.
This is one of the deadliest mining disasters in recent years in the region.
Humanitarian organisations and the UN are calling for immediate access for rescue teams and medical support. The Congolese government has yet to issue an official casualty figure or statement as of early January 31, 2026.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the deadly risks faced by artisanal miners in eastern Congo and the urgent need for regulation, safety standards and formalisation of the sector.
