A bridge collapsed at a cobalt mine in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday, killing at least 32 informal miners, according to regional authorities.
The incident occurred at the Kalando mine in Lualaba province, roughly 42 kilometers (26 miles) southeast of the provincial capital, Kolwezi.
The bridge fell onto a flooded section of the mining site, causing miners to be trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and officials fear the death toll may rise.
Roy Kaumba Mayonde, the provincial interior minister, said that despite a formal ban on accessing the site due to heavy rains and landslide risks, many “wildcat” miners forced their way into the quarry.
The bridge, built to cross the flooded area, gave way as miners rushed across, leading to the collapse.
A report from SAEMAPE, the government agency overseeing mining cooperatives, suggested that the presence of soldiers at the mine may have triggered panic among miners.
The report also highlighted ongoing disputes at the site between informal miners, a cooperative intended to manage operations, and legal operators with Chinese involvement.
Images from the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) showed rescuers digging out bodies, with at least 17 laid out near the site.
Arthur Kabulo, the CNDH provincial coordinator, said that more than 10,000 informal miners work at Kalando.
Authorities have suspended operations at the mine following the tragedy.
The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, supplying over 70 percent of the global demand.
Cobalt is critical for batteries used in electric vehicles, laptops, and smartphones.
Despite its value, the country’s mining sector has long been plagued by unsafe working conditions, corruption, child labor concerns, and violent conflicts.
