Coltan - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Puts Rubaya Tantalum Mine on Strategic Asset List for US Investment 1

DRC Offers Rubaya Coltan Mine and Key Critical Mineral Assets to US Under Strategic Partnership Framework The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has added the rebel-held Rubaya coltan mine one of the world’s richest tantalum deposits to a shortlist of strategic assets proposed to the United States under a bilateral minerals cooperation framework. The inclusion of Rubaya was confirmed by Congolese and US officials following a DRC–US meeting in Washington on 5 February aimed at advancing a strategic minerals partnership agreed in December. The move signals Kinshasa’s intention to position… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan Corporate News

Mercuria Eyes DRC Coltan Market Amid Critical Minerals Expansion

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 Constance

Swiss Trader Mercuria Expands into DRC Coltan Sector, Targeting Critical Minerals for Electronics Already a major player in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) copper market, Swiss trading giant Mercuria is now expanding into critical minerals. Following a $100 million agreement with Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) in late October to finance and market part of Congo’s copper production, Mercuria is reportedly exploring opportunities in the coltan sector—a key mineral used in electronic components. Bloomberg reports that Mercuria is in talks with investment firm TechMet to modernize the Rubaya coltan deposit… Read More Here

Coltan

Aterian Launches Responsible Coltan Trading Operations in Rwanda

September 20, 2025September 20, 2025 Constance

UK-Based Aterian Expands in Rwanda with First Responsible Coltan Shipments Amid Regional Tensions Rwanda continues to draw foreign mining investment despite criticism from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and reports by the United Nations alleging Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo. Against this backdrop, UK-based Aterian plc, a critical minerals exploration and development company, announced the launch of its coltan trading operations in Rwanda. The company confirmed its first shipment of tantalum-niobium (coltan) concentrate sourced from responsible, OECD-compliant supply chains. This initial delivery will be… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan

DRC Achieves Record Coltan Exports in 2024 Despite Declining Production

January 26, 2025January 26, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exported a record 2,485 tonnes of coltan in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing the previous peak of 2,466 tonnes set in 2020, according to data released by the Ministry of Mines at the end of December 2024. However, the figures raise questions as they contrast with the production levels recorded during the same period. Coltan production for the first three quarters of 2024 amounted to just 872 tonnes, marking the lowest total since 2013 when the country produced only 358 tonnes. A… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan

DRC Rebels Disrupt Global Mineral Supply with Illegal Coltan Exports to Rwanda: UN Report

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 Constance

Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illicitly exported at least 150 metric tons of coltan to Rwanda in 2023, marking the largest contamination of the Great Lakes Region’s mineral supply chain on record, according to a United Nations report. The illegal trade began after the M23 movement, a Tutsi-led rebel group allegedly supported by Rwanda, seized the Rubaya area—a region rich in minerals used in smartphones and computers—following heavy fighting in April. M23’s control of transport routes from Rubaya to Rwanda facilitated the mixing of Congolese coltan with… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan Economy

DRC’s Coltan Exports Generate $6.7 Million Amid Challenges in the First Quarter of 2024

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) maintained its pivotal role in the global coltan market during the first quarter of 2024, exporting 265.90 tons of coltan valued at $6.7 million, according to official data. Artisanal mining dominated production, accounting for 242.30 tons during this period. This form of mining, prevalent in North and South Kivu provinces, often takes place under precarious conditions with minimal regulation. Coltan, a critical mineral for the electronics industry, is essential for manufacturing components like capacitors. The rising global demand, driven by advancements in digital technologies,… Read More Here

International Coltan

CMOC Group Anticipates Easing Cobalt Supply Pressure in H2 2024

August 29, 2024August 29, 2024 Constance

China’s CMOC Group, the world’s largest cobalt producer, expects cobalt supply pressures to ease in the second half of 2024. Cobalt, essential in batteries and alloys, has seen prices plummet to near an eight-year low due to a surge in production outpacing demand, according to Fastmarkets data. CMOC forecasts that global supply growth will gradually stabilize. “Global cobalt resources are concentrated, and after the current supply surge, no significant new resources are expected for a long time,” CMOC stated while announcing a record first-half profit. “This should support medium- and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan

Coltan Traffickers Caught in Goma Amid Crackdown on Illegal Mineral Trade

August 26, 2024August 26, 2024 Constance

As part of the “Safisha Muji wa Goma” operation, seven packages of coltan, a key mineral used in the production of electric batteries, were seized on Saturday by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in collaboration with security forces in Goma, North Kivu. The seizure marks a significant victory in the fight against the illegal mineral trade that fuels conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC), the 350kg of coltan originated from Rubaya in Masisi territory and was en route to Rwanda… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan Economy

Experts Advocate for Local Processing of Kivu Coltan to Boost Economic Gains

July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 Constance

During the presentation of the project “Kivu Coltan: Physico-Chemical Processing Capacity and Application Studies” last weekend at the Higher Pedagogical Institute of Bukavu (ISP/BUKAVU) in South Kivu, Professor Fabrice Muvundja urged experts to advocate for local industrialization to enhance value-added exports. In his speech, Professor Muvundja highlighted the lack of scientific research on Kivu coltan, despite its significant contribution to the regional economy for nearly twenty-four years. “Kivu coltan has been a cornerstone of the regional economy since the 2000s. We have recognized its value for the national economy, yet… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan Regional conflict

DRC Forces Push to Reclaim Key Mining Town from M23 Rebels

May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 Constance

The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have launched multiple assaults this week, in collaboration with the youth militia group Wazalendo, to retake the mining town of Rubaya from the M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by Rwanda. Local sources indicate that intense fighting is currently underway in Runigi, less than 10 km from Rubaya in Masisi territory, between loyalist forces and the rebels. Reports to MINES.CD confirm that Wazalendo resistance fighters have regained control of the village of Somikivu in Rutshuru territory and are advancing on… Read More Here