A bridge collapse at a copper and cobalt mine in southeastern Congo has resulted in the loss of at least 32 lives, according to a regional government official. The incident occurred on Saturday at the Kalando mine in Mulondo, Lualaba province, where a bridge fell due to overcrowding. Roy Kaumba Mayonde, the province’s interior minister, confirmed the incident during a press conference, stating that despite a strict prohibition on accessing the site due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides, illegal diggers had forced their way into the quarry.

According to a report by the Congo’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Support and Guidance Service, or SAEMAPE, the presence of soldiers at the site sparked panic among the miners, who rushed to the bridge, causing it to collapse. The report indicated that at least 40 people had lost their lives, although Mayonde put the death toll at at least 32. The incident has highlighted the ongoing dispute between wildcat miners, a cooperative meant to organize operations, and the site’s legal operators.

Congo is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a mineral used in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and other products. Chinese companies control approximately 80% of the production in the central African country. The cobalt mining industry in Congo has long been plagued by accusations of child labor, unsafe conditions, and corruption. The mineral-rich eastern region of the country has been affected by violence from government forces and armed groups for decades, including the Rwanda-backed M23, whose recent resurgence has escalated the conflict and worsened the humanitarian crisis.

The bridge collapse is a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges faced by miners in the region. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of mining operations in Congo, particularly in regards to artisanal and small-scale mining. As the country continues to be a major player in the global cobalt market, efforts to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of miners will be crucial. The government and relevant authorities will likely face scrutiny and pressure to take action to prevent such incidents in the future.