Coltan is used in many modern devices, including electric vehicles, and is seen as key to the clean energy transition.
A landslide in the Democratic Republic of Congo last week caused the collapse of the Rubaya mine. More than 200 people were killed in the disaster, according to Reuters, which reported that the mine in North Kivu produces 15% of the world's coltan. Coltan is used in many modern devices, including electric vehicles, and is seen as key to the clean energy transition.
While men have traditionally dominated the field, more women have become miners, sometimes driven by conflict-related instability and as part of a push for gender equity. It has not yet been reported whether any of the miners killed in the collapse were women. But Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, a spokesperson for the rebel-appointed provincial governor, said fatalities included "miners, children, and market women."
The nonprofit Global Witness told CG about the steps it recommends to improve safety in the mines and region, where human rights abuses have previously been reported.
"While [the rebel group] M23 is in control of the mines, it should put in place measures to stabilize the pits, including structural reinforcement to support the walls, have evacuation routes etc, and offer protective equipment for the miners," Alex Kopp, senior policy and advocacy advisor, wrote in a statement to CG. "Media attention [to] the accident will hopefully press M23 to act in this way."
A U.N. report in September 2025 indicated that "all parties to the conflict in the Congolese provinces of North and South Kivu have committed serious violations of international humanitarian law," according to a release, which underscored M23's use of widespread sexual violence against women, girls, men, boys, and LGBTQ+ people. With such violations in mind, Kopp said, "Companies should stop buying coltan that is at risk to come from Rubaya and governments should put pressure on Rwanda to stop its support to M23."
As recently as February 5, the U.N. said in a news release, "the group [M23] is supported by the Rwandan armed forces, an allegation [the Rwandan capital of] Kigali has repeatedly denied."
"Everywhere is blacked out," photographer Taiwo Aina-Adeokun told CG via Zoom about the smoky conditions she observed in kitchen settings — spaces to which her identity as a female photojournalist helped gain her access, she said. "At the fish smoking area, her eyes were always watery."
CG heard from 4 co-authors of a study that suggests abortion medications could one day meet the criteria for FDA approval as over-the-counter products. Emma Hernández of We Testify even shares a personal story showing how OTC pills could improve access to reproductive care and autonomy amid storms.
"By requiring a gender analysis in our climate plans, we can better understand who is most at risk and ensure our policies protect those who are too often overlooked," State Senator Steve Padilla of San Diego said in a press release announcing the introduction of California Senate Bill 10.
U.N. Women released a statement in late May underscoring concerns that the effects of this outbreak may be disproportionately felt by women, who are often overrepresented in administering care for sick family and community members, increasing risks of infection.
