A devastating bridge collapse at a semi-industrial copper mine in southeastern Congo’s Lualaba province has resulted in the deaths of around 30 people, with reports indicating the toll could be as high as 49.
The incident occurred on Saturday at the Kalando mining site, where artisanal mining employs an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people and supports over 10 million indirectly.
According to Congo’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Support and Guidance Service (SAEMAPE), the collapse was triggered by panic caused by gunfire from military personnel securing the site, leading to miners piling on top of each other.
The provincial interior minister, Roy Kaumba, confirmed 32 deaths, while 20 people were taken to hospital in critical condition.
The Initiative for the Protection of Human Rights has called for an independent investigation into the military’s role in the tragedy, citing reports of clashes between miners and soldiers.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by artisanal miners in Congo, where unregulated mining operations often result in fatal accidents.
