The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Democratic Republic of Congo, its government and people, following the tragic collapse of a mining site in Rubaya, in the east of the country. In its statement, the Kingdom affirmed its full support and solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo in this painful tragedy, which claimed the lives of more than 226 workers, and wished everyone safety.
The disaster unfolded in a conflict-ridden region
The disaster occurred at the Rubaya mining site, one of the world's most important sources of coltan, producing between 15% and 30% of global output. Tantalum, essential for manufacturing modern electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops, is extracted from coltan. This wealth of resources has made the area a target for numerous armed groups. The M23 rebel movement has controlled the Rubaya site since April 2024, adding a complex security dimension to the humanitarian tragedy.
Artisanal mining: a risky profession
Mine collapses are unfortunately common in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where millions of people rely on artisanal and traditional mining as their primary source of income. These workers operate in extremely dangerous conditions, using rudimentary tools and without any occupational safety standards. Tunnels and shafts are often inadequately reinforced, making them prone to collapse, especially during the heavy rainy season. Local authorities frequently lack the capacity to enforce safety regulations or access these remote areas, particularly those controlled by armed groups.
Regional and international significance and impact of the conflict
The repercussions of this disaster extend far beyond the local and humanitarian dimensions, encompassing regional and international ramifications. The conflict in eastern Congo is widely described as a “war on resources,” where armed groups, some allegedly backed by neighboring countries like Rwanda, vie for control of mines to finance their operations. This situation exacerbates regional tensions and threatens the stability of the entire Great Lakes region. Internationally, the incident has once again highlighted the issue of “conflict minerals” and the ethical challenges facing global technology companies in ensuring their supply chains are free of resources that contribute to financing violence and human rights abuses. Saudi Arabia’s supportive stance reflects a growing international concern for the humanitarian aspects of these complex crises and underscores the need for concerted international efforts to support stability and improve working conditions in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
