‘It helps us survive’: Poverty forces children into mine work in DR Congo
Congolese authorities say 70 children died in a landslide at the Rubaya mine, source of much of the world’s coltan.
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From: NewsFeed
Survivor of deadly mine collapse in DR Congo recounts rescue
A Congolese miner told Al Jazeera he saw his friends around him die as the mine they were working in collapsed.
Published On 6 Feb 2026
‘I came back from the dead’: 21 hours underground after DRC mine collapse
In mineral-rich Rubaya, source of most of the world’s coltan, miners suffer poverty and dangerous working conditions.
India coal mine blast leaves 18 dead, others feared trapped
Explosion took place at an unregulated mine in the northeastern East Jainta Hills area.
US announces proposed critical mineral trading bloc
The aim of the group is to challenge China’s stronghold on the globe’s rare earth mining.
![The meeting comes despite growing global tensions between the United States and key allies [Jonathan Ernst/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-04T142251Z_807856274_RC22FJA1DC3G_RTRMADP_3_USA-RUBIO-MINERALS-1770223576.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
EXPLAINER
Trump’s critical minerals meet: Who’s attending, what’s at stake?
More than 50 countries are represented at the Critical Minerals Ministerial to discuss how to reduce reliance on China.
‘We are exploited’: Congolese fear losing out as US makes minerals deals
As officials meet in Washington to discuss critical minerals, many in DRC fear their country will gain little.
EXPLAINER
What is the US critical minerals stockpile?
President Trump said the stockpile would ‘ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by any shortage’.
How Balochistan attacks threaten Pakistan’s promises to China, Trump
Balochistan is at the heart of Pakistan’s economic promises to US and China. The attacks are a reminder of the risks.
Japan deep-sea hunt finds rare earths as it seeks to cut reliance on China
Tokyo proclaims Pacific Ocean mission world’s first attempt to tap rare earths at such a depth.
More than 200 killed in mine collapse in eastern DR Congo
The mine has been under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group since 2024.
