Rescue Operations Intensify in DR Congo Gold Mining Disaster

In the wake of deadly shaft collapses in Lomera, DR Congo, rescuers are using bare hands to locate trapped miners, while conflicting death toll reports emerge. The situation is complicated by the ongoing conflict over control of the mineral-rich region, with the M23 rebel group involved in the area.

In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local individuals are undertaking desperate rescue efforts with just their bare hands and rudimentary tools to free miners trapped underground after a disastrous night of shaft collapses in Lomera. This incident has resulted in several miners being pulled from the rubble alive, although one is reported to be in serious condition. Local journalist Ashuza Barack has provided insight into the situation, revealing that while some eyewitness accounts suggest a death toll of 12, other reports indicate that no bodies have yet been recovered from the debris.

Lomera is located in South Kivu province, an area that has recently come under the influence of M23 rebels following their capture of significant portions of DRC's mineral-rich eastern territories. The M23 group has publicly denied claims that hundreds of miners remain trapped underground. This area has attracted thousands of miners since gold was discovered late last year, transforming it from a quiet village into a chaotic hub filled with artisanal mining activities. Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has previously highlighted the growing threat of cholera in the region due to the influx of miners.

The collapse was reportedly triggered by cascading landslides that buried up to 15 makeshift mining shafts without warning. Many rescue operations have faced delays due to the amount of debris and large rocks obstructing access to the miners. Efforts to clear the site have been hampered by the lack of proper equipment. One miner involved in the rescue efforts shared, “We’ve been digging since Sunday night but have not recovered any bodies. We are exhausted.”

In light of the dangerous mining activities, representatives from the M23 group visited the area and instructed underground mining to end in certain parts. The mineral-rich region of DR Congo serves as a vital supply chain for essential metals and minerals used in the global electronics industry; however, many mining activities are unregulated and fail to meet safety standards. Ongoing conflict has plagued the area for decades, with various rebel factions vying for control. The M23 recently made substantial territorial gains, including the capture of Goma, the primary city in eastern DRC, but they entered a ceasefire agreement with the government just last weekend in mediation facilitated by Qatar.