In brief
Rescue efforts are ongoing in South Kivu province of DR Congo, where six miners have been rescued following a collapse of makeshift shafts amid a gold rush. Conflicting reports on casualties and ongoing struggles emphasize the dangers faced in unregulated mining operations.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local rescuers are digging with their bare hands and basic tools to rescue miners caught in a series of collapsed shafts. Following the tragedy in Lomera on Sunday, six miners have been successfully extracted, although one is reported to be seriously injured, according to local journalist Ashuza Barack. The death toll remains uncertain, with one resident claiming 12 bodies were found, while Barack indicates that no bodies have yet been recovered. This mining region, situated in South Kivu province, has seen an influx of thousands of miners since gold was discovered there late last year, turning the area into a chaotic blend of makeshift shafts and shelters, as reported by the medical charity MSF. The M23, a rebel group currently controlling this mineral-rich area, has denied claims that hundreds of miners are trapped underground.The situation worsened as unexpected landslides buried multiple shafts without warning, and rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to debris and large rocks obstructing access to the sites. Miners working on the recovery efforts have expressed exhaustion, stating that they have been digging since Sunday without yielding any bodies.Efforts to rescue miners are constrained by a lack of proper equipment, further complicating the situation. M23 officials have intervened, ordering the cessation of mining activities in parts of the affected region. This area of DR Congo provides crucial metals and minerals to the global electronics industry; however, many sites operate without adequate regulations or safety standards, contributing to the rising risks involved.Long-standing conflict in the region, marked by struggles between various rebel factions and the government, has intensified following the M23’s territorial advances earlier this year, including the capture of Goma, the principal city in eastern DR Congo. A ceasefire agreement was signed with the government over the weekend, facilitated by negotiations with Qatar.
