Landslide at DRC Tantalum Mine Kills Over 200, Disrupts Supply and Spikes Prices

Published: Mar 6, 2026 17:57

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[SMM Tantalum News] On March 3 local time, a landslide occurred at the Gasasa mining site in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, eastern DRC, burying hundreds of people. Local rescuers estimate the death toll exceeds 200, with specific casualty figures still being tallied. Currently, the mine is controlled by the rebel group M23, which, fearing airstrikes by DRC government forces, has refrained from modern mechanized mining.
Due to supply disruptions of tantalum ore (Ta₂O₅≥30%), transactions have been reported at $210–220 per pound, representing a sharp price surge. As this news spreads through the market, coupled with the tight supply-demand balance, tantalum ore prices are expected to continue climbing, potentially reaching new highs.

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