A devastating bridge collapse at a copper and cobalt mining site in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of at least 32 people, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred at the Kalando artisanal mine in Lualaba province, is among the deadliest mining disasters recorded in the country this year.

According to officials from the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Support and Guidance Service (SAEMAPE), the tragedy unfolded when shots were allegedly fired by military personnel stationed for site security. The sudden gunfire triggered panic, prompting miners to rush across a narrow wooden bridge that ultimately gave way under pressure, sending workers into a ravine below. Operations at the Kalando site have been officially halted starting Sunday as investigations proceed.

Human rights organization Initiative for the Protection of Human Rights has demanded an independent inquiry into the incident, particularly regarding the potential involvement of the military. The Congolese military has so far declined to issue any statement on the matter.

Mining accidents are tragically common in Congo’s informal artisanal mining sector, where safety regulations are minimal and oversight is often lacking. An estimated 1.5 to 2 million people rely on artisanal mining for livelihood, frequently working in hazardous conditions with unstable tunnels, inadequate safety measures and limited emergency response support. The industry has long faced criticism over unsafe practices, corruption, and persistent allegations of child labor.

Congo remains the world’s top producer of cobalt—an essential mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles — intensifying global scrutiny on working conditions within the sector.