Child Miners Forced to Survive in Dangerous Congo Coltan Pits

Coltan, a rare mineral essential for modern electronics, has become a source of both immense global demand and devastating human tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A recent landslide at the Rubaya mine, a key coltan production site, has claimed the lives of at least 70 child workers - a grim testament to the poverty and exploitation driving thousands of Congolese minors into this perilous industry.

The Rubaya mine, located in the volatile North Kivu province, has long been a hub for coltan extraction, supplying a significant portion of the world's insatiable appetite for this vital mineral. Coltan is a key component in the manufacture of smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices, making it an indispensable resource in the global tech industry.

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However, the pursuit of this in-demand commodity has come at a devastating human cost, as impoverished Congolese families are forced to send their children to work in the mines, often in hazardous conditions with little to no safety measures in place. The recent landslide, which occurred during heavy rainfall, has only further highlighted the grim realities faced by these young mine workers.