A mountain collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo has unveiled significant copper reserves, sparking conversations around colonialism and resource exploitation. Viral footage of the event, which occurred in the mineral-rich Katanga region, shows a dramatic landslide as boulders tumble down, prompting nearby onlookers to flee for safety.
Congo’s Copper Wealth
Copper is one of DR Congo’s most valuable resources, with the Katanga region (now Haut-Katanga Province) located in the Central African Copperbelt, the world’s richest mineral zone. The country boasts vast high-grade copper deposits, renowned for their exceptional quality and relatively low production costs. Besides copper, Katanga also holds reserves of cobalt, uranium, tin, and zinc.
The global importance of copper, especially in electrical wiring and renewable energy systems, has made it a critical resource. With the growing shift towards green energy and electric vehicles, DR Congo’s copper reserves play a vital role in global supply chains.
Watch the collapse video:
Massive quantities of copper unearthed after mountain collapse in Katanga pic.twitter.com/HlWQiCIBAK
— curious side of 𝕏 (@curioXities) November 17, 2024
Social Media Reactions
The mountain collapse and discovery of new copper reserves generated strong reactions online, with many voicing concerns about foreign exploitation of DR Congo’s resources.
Comments on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflect the sentiment:
“Hello continental Europe, UK, USA, china – keep your filthy hands away. This belongs to Congo people,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “Congo needs to ban entry of Britain and other westerners in view the mountain collapse revealing minerals to keep them safe.”
A third simply stated, “Ban Britain entry.”
Some users also suggested human activity might have contributed to the collapse. “Lubumbashi region of Kinshasa Congo is filled with copper mines and only a few meters down the earth, one can find copper. This mountain didn’t collapse naturally but months of digging at its base made it collapse, so that the mine diggers can have an avalanche of copper,” one person explained.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate over resource control in DR Congo, emphasizing the need for fair utilization of the country’s mineral wealth for its people.
