DRC Achieves Record Coltan Exports in 2024 Despite Declining Production
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 mining expert noted the discrepancy, stating, “The ministry has not provided reasons for this drop in production or explained the increase in exports.” Despite this, the expert acknowledged that similar discrepancies have occurred in previous years, where exports exceeded production levels.
Over the last four years, coltan production in the DRC has seen a steady decline: from 1,303 tonnes in the first nine months of 2020 to 1,106 tonnes in 2021, and further down to 1,053 tonnes in 2023. In terms of exports, the country reached 1,767 tonnes in 2020, 1,384 tonnes in both 2021 and 2023, and 1,831 tonnes in 2022.
