The Democratic Republic of Congo is affected by a new mining tragedy. Monday, May 8, a landslide occurred in a mining square in Rubaya, in the territory of Masisi in North Kivu, which surprised many artisanal diggers. The site belongs to the Bisunzu Mining Company (SMB) owned by MP and businessman Edward Mwangachuchu, currently being prosecuted by the High Military Court for alleged links with the M23 rebellion. The number of people trapped is not yet known.
Concerns persist over the intensity of mining activity in the area as well as the ministry’s decision to suspend all mining activities in the area. Indeed, only a month earlier, 19 people had lost their lives in a landslide in Bulwa, in the same territory of Masisi.
The DRC has a long history of mining tragedies due to high artisanal activity and illegal exploitation of minerals, particularly coltan. Many miners are exposed to dangerous working conditions and this often results in landslides and dramatic accidents.
It is high time to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of miners and local communities. This notably involves stricter supervision of mining activity, the regularization of artisanal activities and the management of the impact on the environment. Furthermore, the owners of these mines must be held accountable for their actions, including in terms of human rights violations.
In conclusion, this new mining disaster must be a strong signal for the government to implement a truly responsible and sustainable mining policy that guarantees worker safety and environmental protection. The DRC has many mineral deposits, and this must be an opportunity for economic and social development, especially for the local communities who suffer the most from these dangers.