Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to face turmoil as rebels fraudulently export at least 150 metric tons of coltan to Rwanda, according to a United Nations report. This marks the largest contamination of the Great Lakes Region’s mineral supply chain on record.
The illegal trade began after the M23 rebel group, a Tutsi-led organization allegedly supported by Rwanda, seized control of Rubaya in April. Rubaya is known for producing minerals crucial for smartphones and computers. With M23 in control of transport routes, Rubaya’s minerals were mixed with Rwandan production, tarnishing the mineral supply chain.
The U.N. Security Council’s Group of Experts described this as the “most important contamination” of supply chains in the region over the last decade. The contamination affects not only Congo but also Rwanda and neighboring countries.
The situation complicates procurement for tech manufacturers, who are under increasing pressure to ensure that metals used in their products do not originate from conflict zones like eastern Congo.
Rebels established a “mining ministry” and monopolized coltan exports to Rwanda, generating at least $800,000 per month in taxes. The M23 militants also increased wages for local miners and relied on forced labor to expand transportation infrastructure.
