Coltan - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Global Witness Report Links Surge in Rwanda’s Coltan Exports to Smuggling Networks in Eastern DRC 1

Rwanda’s Coltan Exports Rise 150% as Report Alleges DRC Smuggling Linked to M23-Controlled Mines Rwanda’s official coltan exports increased by approximately 150% between 2021 and 2025, according to a June 2026 report by Global Witness. The report attributes this sharp rise to a suspected escalation in mineral smuggling from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly following the takeover of the Rubaya mining area by the M23 armed group. Located in Masisi territory, the Rubaya deposit is considered one of the world’s most significant sources of coltan. Global Witness estimates… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan

DRC 3T Mineral Exports Approach $676 Million in 2025 Despite Security Challenges in Eastern Regions

April 5, 2026April 5, 2026 Constance

DRC Exports Cassiterite, Coltan, and Wolframite Worth $676 Million in 2025 as Kivu Remains Key Production Hub In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exports of tin-bearing minerals cassiterite, coltan, and wolframite collectively known as 3T minerals (Tin, Tantalum, and Tungsten), generated an estimated $676.37 million in revenue in 2025. The figures were released by the Technical Unit for Mining Coordination and Planning, a specialized body under the Ministry of Mines responsible for monitoring mineral production and exports. According to the data, cassiterite accounted for the overwhelming majority of export… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan

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

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 admin

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