Full Breakdown
Tragedy at Kalando Mine: Bridge Collapse Claims Lives of Miners in DRC
11/17/2025, 4:15:34 AM
Fatal Incident at Cobalt Mine
On November 15, 2023, a bridge collapse at the Kalando cobalt mine in Lualaba province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulted in the deaths of at least 32 informal miners, according to provincial interior minister Roy Kaumba Mayonde. The bridge fell onto a flooded trench, exacerbating the dangers posed by heavy rains and the risk of landslides. Search efforts are ongoing for additional victims, as local authorities fear more miners may be trapped in the flooded area. The DRC is a significant player in the global cobalt market, producing over 70% of the world's supply, which is crucial for the production of batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices.
Background of the Incident
The Kalando mine, located approximately 42 kilometers southeast of Kolwezi, has been a focal point for informal mining activities, with estimates suggesting over 10,000 wildcat miners operate in the area. Despite a formal ban on access due to hazardous conditions, miners reportedly forced their way into the site, leading to the bridge's collapse as they rushed across the makeshift structure. The situation was reportedly aggravated by the presence of soldiers, which may have incited panic among the miners.
Criticism of Mining Practices
The incident highlights ongoing issues within the DRC's cobalt mining sector, which has long been criticized for unsafe working conditions, the use of child labor, and corruption. The presence of illegal mining operations, often referred to as "wildcat mining," poses significant risks to both the miners and the surrounding environment. The DRC's mineral wealth has also been linked to prolonged conflicts in the eastern regions of the country, further complicating the mining landscape.
Official Responses and Actions
In response to the tragedy, provincial authorities have suspended all operations at the Kalando mine. Roy Kaumba Mayonde emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has also been involved in monitoring the situation, with reports indicating that miners were seen digging out bodies from the trench following the collapse.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Despite a formal ban on access to the site because of the heavy rain and the risk of a landslide, wildcat miners forced their way into the quarry,” — Roy Kaumba Mayonde, Provincial Interior Minister
- “The miners who fell "piled on top of each other causing the deaths and injuries", the report said.” — Report by SAEMAPE
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While official reports confirm the recovery of 32 bodies, the exact number of missing miners remains unclear, with local sources suggesting that more victims could still be trapped. The lack of comprehensive data on the number of miners present at the time of the collapse contributes to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
The tragedy at the Kalando mine underscores the urgent need for reforms in the DRC's mining sector to ensure the safety and rights of miners, as well as to address the broader implications of illegal mining practices on the country's socio-economic landscape.
