Coltan - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Rebels Disrupt Global Mineral Supply with Illegal Coltan Exports to Rwanda: UN Report 1

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

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

Mining in DRC Coltan Regional conflict

North Kivu: Coltan Price Soars from $30 to $70 Amid M23 Rebel Control of Rubaya

May 15, 2024May 15, 2024 Constance

Since the rise of the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, to control the mining town of Rubaya in North Kivu province, the cost of mining activities has significantly increased. According to local civil society, since the M23 rebels took over Rubaya, the price of a kilogram of coltan has soared from $30 to $70. Additionally, the daily wage for a digger has jumped from 10,000 Congolese francs (CDF) to 30,000 CDF. “1 kg of coltan, which sold for $30, now even raw sand sells for $70 per kilo. We believe… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Coltan Regional conflict Tin

Opposition Leader Martin Fayulu Accuses Rwandan Army of Collusion with M23 in Rubaya

May 3, 2024May 3, 2024 Constance

Opposition figure Martin Fayulu has condemned the presence of the Rwandan army alongside M23 militants in the mining town of Rubaya, located in the Masisi territory of North Kivu province. Fayulu, expressing his criticism via his X account, accused the Rwandan M23 army of controlling Rubaya, suggesting Rwanda’s increased access to Congolese coltan. Amidst this, Fayulu highlighted the plight of Congolese citizens affected by floods in Kalemie and Uvira, denouncing the government’s apparent lack of assistance and expenditure on unnecessary trips. Rubaya, known for its rich mineral resources including coltan,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan Regional conflict Tin

M23 Rebels Seize Control of Coltan Mining Town in Eastern DRC

May 2, 2024May 2, 2024 Constance

M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have captured Rubaya, a vital mining town known for its coltan reserves, following days of intense conflict, according to a rebel spokesperson. Eastern Congo has endured violence since the 1990s, fueled by struggles over identity, ethnicity, and resources, resulting in millions of deaths and the emergence of numerous armed groups. Willy Ngoma, the spokesperson for the Tutsi-led M23 militia, stated that they had taken control of Rubaya in North Kivu province after confronting other armed factions, including the Forces for the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan

Rwanda Leads Coltan Exports Amidst Concerns of Resource Exploitation in DRC

April 13, 2024April 13, 2024 Constance

Over the past decade, Rwanda has consistently emerged as the world’s top exporter of coltan on five occasions, according to data compiled by the ECOFIN agency. In 2023 alone, Rwanda exported 2,070 tonnes of coltan, surpassing the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) export volume of 1,918 tonnes. Despite Rwanda’s recurrent dominance in recent years, the DRC remains the primary supplier of coltan, with cumulative export figures of 17,330 tonnes compared to Rwanda’s 15,374 tonnes over the past decade. Coltan, a crucial mineral in the tech industry for devices like computers… Read More Here