A devastating mining accident has claimed at least 32 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a makeshift bridge collapsed at a copper-cobalt mine, submerging hundreds of workers in a flooded ditch.
The Tragic Incident
The catastrophe occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Kalando mine located in Mulondo, Lualaba province. Provincial Interior Minister Roy Kaumba Mayonde confirmed the death toll on Sunday, November 16, attributing the disaster to "hasty crossing of the diggers" that caused the overloaded bridge to give way.
Despite strict warnings and bans on entering the mining site due to heavy rainfall and landslide risks, illegal miners reportedly forced their way into the area. The regional official emphasized that investigations have been launched to determine responsibility for the preventable tragedy.
Contradictory Reports and Rescue Efforts
While official figures confirm 32 fatalities, local media sources suggest the death toll could be much higher, with some reports indicating as many as 70 people lost their lives in the incident.
Circulating videos on social media platform X show the dramatic moment when a large section of the mine collapsed, with panicked workers scrambling to escape the danger zone. Rescue operations continue as many workers remain trapped under rubble, though the exact number of missing persons remains unconfirmed.
Broader Safety Concerns in DRC Mining
This tragedy highlights the persistent safety issues plaguing mining operations across the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country's mineral-rich regions frequently witness such accidents due to:
- Unregulated mining activities
- Inadequate safety measures
- Poor infrastructure maintenance
- Lack of proper oversight
The Lualaba province, where this incident occurred, is part of southeastern DRC's copper belt, a region known for both industrial mining operations and widespread artisanal mining that often operates outside legal frameworks.
This latest disaster serves as a grim reminder of the human cost behind Congo's mineral wealth, particularly as global demand for copper and cobalt continues to rise for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
