Landslide at Safi Mine in Lualaba Kills at Least 10 Artisanal Miners

Kakanda, March 13, 2026 - At least ten artisanal miners have died and one person injured following a landslide at the Safi mining site near Kakanda in Lualaba’s Lubudi territory. Rescue teams also recovered the body of a child, approximately 13 years old, from the debris.

Authorities have recommended the immediate suspension of mining activities in the affected area and a technical assessment of the unstable quarry sections. The landslide occurred in a pit where miners were working early in the morning, exposing unsafe mining conditions.

A technical review identified several factors contributing to the disaster, including excessively high slabs of up to 37 meters (compared to the recommended five meters), fragile sandy-clay soil, dangerously steep slopes reaching 70-80 degrees, and the absence of proper drainage. These conditions indicate a lack of proper oversight in the artisanal operations.

The Safi site, part of the Boss Mining company’s permit, allows artisanal miners to operate in specific areas under strict agreements with local cooperatives. However, the cooperative involved had not received formal approval for technical operations, raising questions about the legality of the work conducted.

Officials have also called for the withdrawal of military personnel overseeing miners, suggesting that the Mines and Hydrocarbons Police take over supervision. The affected area remains closed while safety assessments and security measures are implemented.

The tragedy highlights ongoing safety challenges in unregulated artisanal mining and the urgent need for stronger oversight and compliance with mining standards.