Rescue workers continue manual efforts to extract trapped miners after underground shafts collapsed Sunday morning in Lomera, Democratic Republic of Congo. Six people have emerged alive from the debris, with one victim sustaining severe injuries. Local reports conflict regarding fatalities, with residents claiming twelve deaths while journalists report zero body recoveries. The incident occurred in South Kivu province, where M23 rebels maintain territorial control since capturing the mineral-rich eastern region earlier this year. Cascading landslides buried approximately fifteen makeshift mining tunnels without advance warning.
The area experienced rapid population growth following gold discoveries late last year, attracting thousands of freelance miners to the previously quiet village. M23 officials visited the collapse site and suspended mining operations across affected zones. Rescue progress remains slow due to continued debris accumulation and inadequate equipment availability. The region supplies essential metals to global electronics manufacturers despite widespread regulatory gaps and substandard safety protocols. M23 recently signed a ceasefire agreement with government forces through Qatar-mediated negotiations.
The area experienced rapid population growth following gold discoveries late last year, attracting thousands of freelance miners to the previously quiet village. M23 officials visited the collapse site and suspended mining operations across affected zones. Rescue progress remains slow due to continued debris accumulation and inadequate equipment availability. The region supplies essential metals to global electronics manufacturers despite widespread regulatory gaps and substandard safety protocols. M23 recently signed a ceasefire agreement with government forces through Qatar-mediated negotiations.
