M23 rebels seize control of coltan nine in DR Congo

A new report has revealed that M23 rebels are in control of Rubaya, one of the world’s largest coltan mines, which produces about 15% of the global supply. According to Reuters, locals manually dig the mineral, earning only a few dollars a day, before it is shipped to Asia for processing into tantalum, a high-demand metal used in electronics and aerospace industries.

The United Nations says M23 has been plundering the mine to finance its insurgency, with proceeds helping the rebel group sustain its military operations. Peace negotiations are currently focusing on regaining government control of the mine, given its economic and strategic importance to the country and the global tech supply chain.

Analysts warn that the continued rebel occupation of Rubaya could destabilise regional trade, inflate tantalum prices, and worsen humanitarian conditions for local communities dependent on artisanal mining. They also stress that lasting peace will require addressing both the security situation and the economic incentives fuelling the conflict.