Bridge Collapse at Southeastern Congo Mine Claims More Than 30 Lives
A bridge collapsed at a copper and cobalt mine in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), killing at least 32 people, Reuters and Associated Press reported on the 16th (local time).
The Congolese mining regulator said 49 people were killed and 20 were hospitalized in critical condition in the accident that occurred at the Kalando mine in Lualaba province on the 15th.
However, Mayonde’s Home Affairs Minister Roy Kaumba told a press conference that the death toll had been confirmed at 32.
“Illegal miners entered the quarry without permission despite access to the site being strictly prohibited due to heavy rains and the risk of landslides,” Minister Mayonde said.
According to authorities, gunfire from soldiers guarding the mine site caused chaos, forcing miners to rush towards the bridge, which collapsed and caused numerous casualties.
Human rights groups have urged authorities to independently investigate whether the military was involved in the accident, citing reports of clashes between miners and soldiers.
Congo is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a key material for lithium-ion batteries used in various electronic devices and electric vehicles.
However, Congo’s cobalt mining industry has long been criticized for child labor, poor working conditions, and corruption.
In Congo, between 1.5 and 2 million people are engaged in artisanal mining, and more than 10 million people indirectly earn a living through related industries.
However, accidents are common in poorly regulated mines, and dozens of people lose their lives each year due to deep mining without proper equipment.
