Saudi Arabia offers condolences to Congo for the victims of the Rubaya mine collapse: solidarity and sympathy
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to the families of the victims who perished in the tragic mine collapse in Rubaya, in the east of the country. This humanitarian disaster resulted in the deaths of more than 226 workers, a heavy toll that has drawn the attention of the international community.
In its official statement, the Kingdom affirmed its full support and solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo in this tragic event, expressing its hope for the safety and security of the injured and the entire friendly Congolese people, in a gesture that reflects the humanitarian and diplomatic role that Saudi Arabia plays towards sisterly and friendly countries during crises and disasters.
Details of the disaster in the city of Rubaya
This horrific incident comes amid complex circumstances in eastern Congo, where local authorities have expressed serious concerns that the death toll could exceed 200 following a massive landslide that struck a mining site in Rubaya. This region has been under the control of the M23 rebel movement since April 2024, complicating rescue operations and the acquisition of accurate information regarding the number of victims and missing persons.
The strategic importance of the Rubaya mine and its global impact
The Rupaia mine is not just an ordinary mine; it holds significant global strategic and economic importance. Economic reports indicate that this site contributes between 15% and 30% of the world's total coltan production. Coltan is a vital raw material from which tantalum is extracted, an essential element in the manufacture of electronic capacitors used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
The economic weight of the mine makes the incident an impact that extends beyond local borders, raising concerns about global supply chains for rare minerals, especially given the control of extraction areas by armed groups and the smuggling of resources, which is known internationally as the “conflict minerals” issue.
Historical background on mining accidents in Congo
Mine collapses are tragically frequent in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often attributed to the lack of occupational safety standards in the artisanal and informal mining sector. Thousands of local people, known as “creuseurs” (diggers), work in hazardous conditions and without protective equipment, searching for precious metals.
These risks are exacerbated during the rainy season, which leads to soil saturation and collapse, as seen in the recent incident. Adding to the problem is the security situation: the ongoing armed conflict in North Kivu province between government forces and the M23 movement has resulted in a lack of government oversight and widespread chaos in natural resource management, leaving miners doubly vulnerable to exploitation and insecurity.
