Search efforts are underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a bridge collapse at a cobalt mine claimed the lives of at least 32 people.
Local authorities say the tragic incident occurred on Saturday at the Kalando mine in southern DR Congo, where unauthorized miners reportedly forced their way into the restricted site despite an existing ban. According to provincial official Roy Kaumba Mayonde, the group rushed into the concession before the collapse.
The government mining agency SAEMAPE alleges that military personnel guarding the mine fired warning shots, sparking panic among the miners. As they fled, a large crowd attempted to cross a makeshift bridge that gave way under the pressure. The military has not issued any response to the allegation.
Two miners were found with gunshot wounds, one to the thigh and another to the hand, journalist Olivier Kayumba told the BBC after visiting the scene. Though Mayonde confirmed there were no deaths from gunfire, he did not clarify whether any non-fatal injuries were caused by bullets.
He described the event as “tragic,” noting that mining companies across the country frequently face unauthorized incursions from artisanal miners. The bridge involved in the collapse had been constructed by the miners themselves and was too unstable to hold the weight of the crowd attempting a hurried escape.
Unverified images circulating online appear to show bodies at the scene as local residents watch in shock.
Authorities have urged artisanal miners to take advantage of government-provided training programmes in agribusiness to reduce the risks associated with illegal mining activities.
DR Congo remains the world’s leading supplier of cobalt, a mineral essential to defence technologies, aerospace industries, and rechargeable batteries, including those used in electric vehicles. However, the sector continues to face global scrutiny due to issues surrounding child labour, corruption, and unsafe working conditions.