Global Witness Report Links Surge in Rwanda’s Coltan Exports to Smuggling Networks in Eastern DRC
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 that it accounts for nearly 15% of global tantalum supply, a critical mineral used in the production of smartphones, computers, telecommunications equipment, and other advanced electronics.
Allegations of Large-Scale Smuggling
The report alleges that more than 120 tonnes of coltan were transported monthly across the DRC–Rwanda border between May and October 2024.
It further estimates that at least 1,400 tonnes of ore left Congolese territory illegally within a year of M23 taking control of Rubaya, warning that the real volume could be significantly higher.
Global Witness described the situation as “the most significant contamination of mineral supply chains seen in the Great Lakes region in more than a decade.”
The organization also noted that the rise in Rwanda’s official export figures coincides closely with shifts in territorial control over key mining zones in eastern Congo.
Trade Data Discrepancies Under Scrutiny
According to data analyzed in the report, global import records of Rwandan coltan reached more than 2,900 tonnes in 2024.
However, Global Witness highlights inconsistencies between Rwanda’s declared export volumes and the import figures reported by partner countries.
Such discrepancies, analysts note, are often indicative of weak traceability or potential irregularities in mineral supply chains.
The report further alleges that once coltan enters Rwanda, it is transported to Kigali, where it is reportedly mixed with domestically produced material before being exported to international markets.
From there, shipments are said to pass through the ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa before entering global electronics supply chains.
Mineral Trade and Armed Group Financing
Beyond commercial implications, the report argues that coltan extraction in Rubaya has become a key source of revenue for the M23 armed group.
Citing United Nations estimates, Global Witness claims that taxation on extraction, transport, and trade activities has generated approximately US$800,000 per month for the group since May 2024.
The organization warns that control of Rubaya represents not only a strategic mining advantage but also a significant financial resource that helps sustain ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
Governance and Supply Chain Concerns
The findings raise broader concerns about mineral governance and traceability in Central Africa, particularly within global supply chains for critical minerals.
Experts say the situation underscores persistent challenges in enforcing certification mechanisms intended to prevent conflict minerals from entering international markets.
It also highlights growing pressure on governments and industry actors to strengthen transparency standards and improve due diligence in sourcing minerals from the Great Lakes region, as demand for critical raw materials continues to rise globally.
