A tragic accident struck the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this week. More than 200 people died when part of the mine collapsed on Wednesday. Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the rebel-appointed governor, told Reuters on Friday: "More than 200 people were victims of this landslide, including miners, children and market women. Some people were rescued just in time and have serious injuries." The mine produces about 15% of the world’s coltan, a key metal for mobile phones, computers, and aerospace parts. Since 2024, the M23 rebel group has controlled the mine, where locals work digging manually for a few dollars daily. An adviser to the governor, speaking anonymously, said confirmed deaths were at least 227. The United Nations has said M23 uses the mine’s riches to fund its insurgency, with support from Rwanda’s government, an accusation Rwanda denies. The rebels aim to overthrow Congo’s government and protect the Tutsi minority. Last year, M23 captured more mineral-rich areas in eastern Congo in a swift advance. The full impact of this disaster on the community and global coltan supply is yet to be seen.