A catastrophic bridge collapse at a copper and cobalt mine in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of at least 32 people, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The deadly incident occurred on Saturday at the Kalando mine in Mulondo, Lualaba Province, a region known for its rich mineral deposits.
According to Lualaba’s Interior Minister, Roy Kaumba Mayonde, the tragedy unfolded after illegal miners forcefully entered the restricted quarry site despite official warnings. Heavy rainfall in recent days had increased the risk of landslides and structural instability, prompting authorities to prohibit access.
“Despite the strict prohibition on accessing the site due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides, illegal diggers forced their way into the quarry,” Mayonde said during a press conference.
A subsequent report released by Congo’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Support and Guidance Service (SAEMAPE) revealed that soldiers stationed near the mine fired shots into the air, triggering panic among the illegal miners. In their frantic attempt to flee, dozens rushed onto the already weakened bridge, causing it to collapse under the weight of the crowd.
SAEMAPE’s report estimated the death toll at “at least 40,” exceeding the official figure given by Mayonde. Survivors and rescuers described a devastating scene, with victims “piled on top of each other,” leading to multiple deaths and severe injuries.
The report further noted longstanding friction at the site involving wildcat miners, a cooperative meant to oversee artisanal operations, and the mine’s licensed operators. Soldiers deployed to maintain order have been at the center of disputes between the groups, complicating efforts to regulate mining activities in the area.
Lualaba Province is a major hub of Congo’s cobalt production. The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the world’s largest supplier of cobalt—an essential mineral for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and renewable energy storage. Chinese-owned companies control roughly 80% of the nation’s cobalt production, making the sector globally significant but also deeply controversial.
Congo’s mining industry has long faced allegations of child labor, corruption, dangerous working conditions, and the exploitation of artisanal miners. Safety regulations are often poorly enforced, leaving thousands of miners vulnerable to accidents, landslides, and fatal collapses.
Meanwhile, eastern Congo continues to be engulfed in violent conflict involving government forces and more than 100 armed groups. Among them is the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement, whose renewed offensives have intensified instability and worsened humanitarian conditions across the region.
As authorities continue rescue efforts and attempt to identify victims, the tragedy at the Kalando mine stands as another painful reminder of the deadly risks surrounding Congo’s artisanal mining sector and the urgent need for stronger enforcement, oversight, and protection for vulnerable workers.
