‘I came back from the dead’: 21 hours underground after DRC mine collapse

Al JazeeraEN 6 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 6, 2026 at 01:35 PM
‘I came back from the dead’: 21 hours underground after DRC mine collapse

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long article 6 min

In Rubaya, Democratic Republic of Congo, a coltan mine collapsed on January 29, 2026, killing at least 200 artisanal miners. Grace Barata, a miner who had been working at the mine, was miraculously rescued after being trapped underground for 21 hours. His family had already begun funeral arrangements, believing he was dead. The mine collapse occurred in a region known for its rich deposits of coltan, tin, and tungsten, essential minerals for modern technology. The disaster highlights the dangerous working conditions faced by artisanal miners in the area, who often risk their lives to extract these valuable resources. The cause of the collapse was attributed to heavy rains and landslides.

Keywords

mine collapse 100% dr congo 90% artisanal miners 80% coltan 80% rubaya 70% mining 60% landslide 50% dangerous working conditions 50% mineral-rich 40%

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Al Jazeera
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90%
Geographic Perspective
Democratic Republic of the Congo

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