KINSHASA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 people were killed on Tuesday in a mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the DRC government said Wednesday.

The incident occurred at the Rubaya mining sites, known for the coltan resources, in North Kivu province following "exceptionally heavy rains," according to a statement issued by the DRC Ministry of Mines.

According to the provisional toll, more than 200 people lost their lives, including around 70 minors.

The Rubaya mining zone is currently under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, making rescue operations particularly difficult, the statement said. ■