A tragic mining disaster has struck the Rubaya coltan mine in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the deaths of over 200 individuals, including miners, children, and market women. The collapse occurred on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, as reported by multiple sources including The News Pakistan, Pakistan Today, and Dawn. The mine, which produces approximately 15% of the world's coltan, a mineral crucial for manufacturing electronics such as mobile phones and aerospace components, is under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024. The incident has been attributed to heavy rains that destabilized the ground, a factor emphasized by Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor, who stated, 'We are in the rainy season. The ground is fragile.' (Pakistan Today, Dawn).