DRC Coltan Exports Surge Despite M23 Rebel Group’s Control in North Kivu
Exports of coltan (tantalum concentrate) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reached 265.90 tonnes, generating USD 6.76 million during the first quarter of 2024, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Mines.
The Haut-Katanga region leads the country’s coltan exports, with 99.64 tonnes valued at USD 1.83 million. South Kivu follows closely with 67.40 tonnes, worth USD 1.73 million, while Tanganyika ranks third with 58.80 tonnes, generating USD 1.86 million.
North Kivu, where the M23 rebel group continues to destabilize the region, ranks fourth with 40.06 tonnes of exports valued at USD 1.36 million. Notably, Maniema recorded no coltan exports during this period.
At a United Nations Security Council session on Monday, Bintou Keita, the head of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC), raised concerns over the M23’s dominance in coltan production in the Masisi and Rutshuru territories of North Kivu.
She revealed that the illegal trade in the Rubaya region, which accounts for over 15% of global tantalum production, generates approximately USD 300,000 per month for the rebel group.
“This illegal control of natural resources directly fuels armed groups and perpetuates the exploitation of civilian populations,” Keita stated.
She called on the international community to impose targeted sanctions against those involved and stressed the urgent need to strengthen transparency and traceability in the DRC’s mining sector.
A few days prior, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi also condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23, labeling the group a “terrorist organization.”
He criticized the ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where nearly 7 million people have been displaced, and urged the international community to impose sanctions on Kigali in response to its involvement.
