Deadly Landslides in Rubaya Highlight Unregulated Mining

Rubaya Masisi, March 8, 2026 - The Support Group for Traceability and Transparency in Natural Resource Management (GATT-RN) expressed deep dismay following recent deadly landslides in the Rubaya mining town, Masisi territory, North Kivu. The organization denounced dangerous artisanal mining practices and called on the government to take urgent action.

The Gakombe site landslide is the latest in a series of recurring tragedies, exacerbated by the rainy season and lack of safety standards. Several mining areas in Rubaya are under AFC/M23 rebel control, facilitating illegal and fraudulent mining. GATT-RN emphasized that Congolese miners risk their lives for minimal wages while some actors profit from strategic minerals, including nearly 15% of global coltan production.

This disaster follows another landslide in the same area less than a month prior, which claimed over 300 lives. GATT-RN stressed that these incidents reflect avoidable failures in mine management and safety.

The organization urged the government to formalize artisanal mining, impose strict safety and labor standards, and open an independent investigation to determine administrative, security, and economic responsibilities. It also called for strengthened mineral traceability, improved certification mechanisms, and a compensation system for families of victims.

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