Shaft collapse at gold mine in M23-Held Eastern DRC

A tragic mine collapse has struck the Luhihi region in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where an unknown number of miners are believed to be trapped underground. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 20, at the Lomera artisanal gold mine during a period of heavy rainfall.

Witnesses reported the ground shaking before several shafts suddenly caved in, causing panic as some miners managed to escape through alternate tunnels. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, though local sources estimate that dozens could be trapped beneath the debris.

Rescue efforts

Rescue efforts began immediately, with local residents and miners using their bare hands and basic tools to try and reach those still underground. So far, six individuals have been rescued alive, including one who sustained serious injuries. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding fatalities; while one resident claimed 12 bodies had been recovered, other sources, including local journalists, indicated that no confirmed bodies have yet been found. The lack of proper rescue equipment has significantly slowed progress, as large rocks and heavy debris continue to obstruct access to the buried shafts.

The collapse occurred in a remote area that has seen a rapid influx of people since gold was discovered there late last year. What was once a quiet village has turned into a bustling, unregulated mining site filled with makeshift tunnels and fragile shelters. According to medical charity MSF, this rapid expansion has brought with it serious health and safety risks, including a recent cholera outbreak. The unstable terrain, combined with poor infrastructure and rainy conditions, likely contributed to the landslides that caused the shafts to collapse.

The Lomera site lies within a region under the control of the M23 rebel group, which captured large parts of eastern DRC earlier this year. M23 has dismissed claims that hundreds were trapped in the incident, but has since ordered a suspension of mining activity in parts of the area. The broader region has long been plagued by armed conflict and weak governance, with many mining operations operating outside regulatory oversight. Despite these dangers, thousands continue to work in artisanal mines due to a lack of alternative livelihoods.

Eastern Congo’s artisanal mining sector is a vital source of income for many but is also known for its hazardous conditions and lack of safety standards. The recent collapse highlights the human toll of unregulated mining and the vulnerability of communities caught between natural disasters and armed conflict. While rescue efforts continue, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for better mining regulations, humanitarian support, and long-term solutions to stabilize the region.