More than 200 people are feared dead after a devastating landslide collapsed tunnels at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world’s most critical sources of the mineral used in modern electronics. The disaster struck a militia-controlled site where hundreds of artisanal miners were working underground when the collapse occurred, trapping large numbers with little chance of escape.

The Rubaya mine is estimated to produce between 15 and 30 percent of the world’s coltan, a vital component used in capacitors found in smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. The scale of the tragedy highlights the fragile and often dangerous conditions under which key materials for the global technology industry are extracted, particularly in conflict zones where regulation and safety standards are minimal or nonexistent.

Coltan mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo is frequently carried out by informal laborers operating in hazardous tunnels, often under the control of armed groups that profit from the trade. These operations are known for their lack of protective equipment, unstable excavation methods, and exposure to sudden collapses, making deadly accidents a recurring risk. The landslide at Rubaya has once again exposed the human cost behind minerals that power everyday consumer technology.

Beyond the immediate loss of life, the collapse is expected to disrupt global coltan supply chains, raising concerns about price volatility and sourcing transparency. The incident also renews attention on long-standing human rights issues in the region, where tens of thousands of children are believed to be involved in similar mining operations, underscoring the ongoing exploitation tied to conflict-driven resource extraction.

As recovery efforts continue, the Rubaya disaster stands as a grim reminder that the convenience of modern electronics is often built on dangerous labor conditions far removed from end users, with consequences measured not just in supply shortages, but in lives lost.