Breaking News: Bridge Collapse at DRC Cobalt Mine Claims 32 Lives
In a tragic incident, a bridge collapse at a cobalt mine in Lualaba province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has resulted in the deaths of at least 32 informal miners. The accident occurred on Saturday at the Kalando mine, approximately 42 kilometers southeast of Kolwezi, the provincial capital.
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Details of the Incident
Provincial interior minister Roy Kaumba Mayonde reported that the bridge fell onto a flooded area of the mine, where wildcat miners were illegally working despite official bans due to heavy rain and landslide risks. The rapid movement of the miners across the makeshift bridge, intended to span a flooded trench, is believed to have led to its collapse.
A government agency report indicated that the presence of soldiers at the mine site triggered panic among the workers, contributing to the chaos and subsequent fatalities. Images from the National Human Rights Commission showed rescue efforts, with bodies being retrieved from the debris.
Impact on the Cobalt Industry
The DRC is a vital player in global cobalt production, responsible for over 70 percent of the world’s supply. Cobalt is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles, laptops, and mobile phones. Despite its significance, the industry is marred by issues of illegal mining, dangerous working conditions, accusations of child labor, and persistent corruption.
Response and Concerns
Authorities have suspended operations at the Kalando site following the disaster. The mine has been a focal point of disputes involving wildcat miners, cooperatives, legal operators, and Chinese interests. More than 10,000 wildcat miners reportedly work at Kalando.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in the DRC’s mining sector, which have been linked to broader conflicts across the country’s eastern regions for decades.
As search efforts continue, more victims are feared missing. The situation highlights the urgent need for regulatory enforcement and improved safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
