In Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, heavy rains triggered another deadly landslide at a mining site, following a collapse in March that killed hundreds. Official reports state that 200 people, including 70 children, died in the Kasasa mine disaster on March 3. Fifteen-year-old Mishiki Nshokano survived that incident and is now recovering in Goma, but says he must return to the mines soon as he has "no other choice" to support his family.
Rubaya is rich in coltan, tin, and tungsten—minerals critical for modern technology like smartphones and electric cars. However, miners, especially children, are often unaware of the end-use of these resources and focus solely on daily survival. Nshokano has worked as an artisanal miner for four years, earning about 10,000 Congolese francs ($4) per day transporting coltan sacks. His father died in a landslide in 2022, worsening the family's plight.
Child labor under age 18 is illegal in DRC under national law, but the informal mining sector remains largely unregulated. The situation is exacerbated by violence between the Congolese army and armed groups, notably the Rwanda-backed M23 movement, which seized control of Rubaya in 2024 and now governs the city. Authorities condemn M23 for using child labor, though observers note this issue predated the group's occupation.
According to UNICEF, an estimated 40,000 children work in Congolese mines. Global Witness recently called for businesses and governments to consider the human cost of mineral extraction after the "recent horrific mine disaster." DRC and the US have signed a strategic agreement to exchange minerals for security guarantees, with the Rubaya mine—a major global coltan source—reportedly included in the offer.
Nshokano regrets dropping out of school but cites life pressures as the cause. He acknowledges the dangers of mining but feels compelled to return to provide for his family of four. Reflecting on his father's death, he says all hopes collapsed, and he must soon go back to Rubaya, bearing responsibility as the eldest child with no alternatives.
Source: www.aljazeera.com