At least 17 bodies have been recovered from the shafts of the Bibatama mining site in Masisi territory, North Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following a landslide that occurred while dozens of artisanal miners were working several metres underground.(Screengrab)
At least 17 bodies have been recovered from the shafts of the Bibatama mining site in Masisi territory, North Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following a landslide that occurred while dozens of artisanal miners were working several metres underground.
The tragic incident took place on Thursday, June 19, according to local media reports. It is feared that the death toll could rise, as many of the recovered bodies were those closest to the surface.
"According to local sources, only the bodies nearest to the surface could be retrieved. Many more victims may still be buried," Radio Okapi reported.
Justin Ndayishimiye, a local Member of Parliament and former coordinator of artisanal mining in Rubaya, attributed the tragedy to the unregulated and chaotic mining practices prevalent in the region.
"They only managed to retrieve 17 bodies. There are hundreds more believed to be buried. This operation lacks any form of regulation. The shafts are poorly maintained, there are no supports, it's organised looting," he was quoted as saying by the local radio station.
He called for the immediate closure of the Rubaya mining site, currently reported to be under M23 control, until proper order and oversight are restored.
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