DR Congo cobalt mine bridge collapse
A bridge at a copper-cobalt mine in Lualaba province collapsed on November 15, 2025, killing at least 32 miners, authorities say.
The mine is the Kalando site, known for informal “wildcat” mining activity.
Despite warnings about heavy rain and landslide risks, miners reportedly forced their way into the site.
Panic broke out after gunfire allegedly came from soldiers deployed at the mine, according to a government mining agency, SAEMAPE.
As miners rushed to cross the makeshift bridge over a flooded trench, the structure collapsed under the pressure, causing people to pile up and many to fall into the water.
While 32 bodies have been recovered, some reports suggest the death toll could rise to 40.
Authorities have suspended operations at the site.
Human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation, especially into the soldiers’ role in triggering the panic.
The DRC is the world’s largest supplier of cobalt, a key material used in lithium-ion batteries for devices and electric vehicles.
