Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have tightened their control over the coltan-rich Rubaya mining region, imposing a tax on production that generates an estimated $300,000 in monthly revenue, the United Nations Security Council was informed on Monday.
The M23 movement, a Tutsi-led group reportedly supported by Rwanda, seized control of the area—known for producing minerals essential for smartphones and computers—after intense fighting in April.
Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, told the Security Council that minerals traded from the Rubaya region account for more than 15% of the global supply of tantalum.
Congo is the world’s leading producer of tantalum, a critical mineral for the U.S. and the EU.
“This is generating around $300,000 in revenue per month for the armed group,” Keita said. “This is deeply alarming and must be halted.”
She also highlighted the broader issue of illicit resource smuggling from the DRC, which fuels armed groups, exploits civilians—some in conditions akin to slavery—and undermines peace efforts.
Most of Congo’s vast mineral wealth lies in the east, a region mired in violent conflict between various factions. The situation has worsened since the resurgence of the M23 rebellion in March 2022.
Thousands of lives have been lost, and over a million people displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Manufacturers face growing pressure to ensure that metals used in products like laptops and electric vehicle batteries are not sourced from conflict zones, including eastern Congo.
Keita noted that as mining profits have soared, armed groups have evolved into militarized entrepreneurs, strengthening their financial and military positions.
“Without international sanctions targeting those profiting from this illicit trade, peace will remain out of reach, and the suffering of civilians will continue,” Keita warned.
