At least 32 killed in Congo cobalt mine collapse

In DR Congo, at least 32 people were killed on Saturday after a bridge collapsed at a semi-industrial copper mine in southeastern part of the country. Congo’s artisanal mining agency, SAEMAPE, said the collapse occurred at the Kalando site in Lualaba province, where large numbers of miners operate daily. An agency official told Reuters that 49 people had died, and 20 others were taken to hospital in critical condition, though local officials later released a lower confirmed toll.

Absolutely terrifying – a massive landslide at an artisanal mine has reportedly killed at least 80 people. November 15, 2025

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— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) November 16, 2025

SAEMAPE said the tragedy unfolded when panic swept through the mining area after gunfire reportedly erupted from military personnel securing the site. Miners attempted to flee across a narrow bridge, causing it to give way.“Miners piled on top of each other, causing injuries and death,” the agency said in a statement on Sunday.

The Initiative for the Protection of Human Rights called for an independent investigation into the military’s role, citing reports of clashes between miners and soldiers shortly before the collapse. Roy Kaumba, Lualaba’s provincial interior minister, said in a televised briefing that 32 deaths had been confirmed. Rescue efforts continued into Sunday as authorities worked to verify the final number of casualties.