Inside the Mine That Feeds the Tech World and Funds Congo’s Rebels
In the hills surrounding the Congolese town of Rubaya, a grim reality underpins the global technology supply chain. Under the control of M23 rebels, impoverished local labourers mine coltan, a crucial mineral ore that powers countless modern devices. These men, clad in rubber boots, manually haul sacks of crushed rock up steep, winding paths for a few dollars a day. This arduous work is the first step in a long journey that connects a conflict zone in Central Africa directly to the smartphone in your pocket.
From Congolese Hills to Global Gadgets
The Rubaya mining area is a prize of immense strategic value, producing approximately 15% of the world’s coltan. Once extracted, the ore is transported by motorbike and eventually shipped to Asia for processing. There, it is refined into tantalum, a highly valuable, heat-resistant metal that commands a price of over $300 per kilogram. This refined material is indispensable to major global industries, serving as a critical component in the manufacturing of mobile phones, computers, aerospace parts, and even gas turbines. The control of this lucrative trade route provides a significant source of revenue.
The entire operation is now a key part of a long-running conflict. The M23 rebel group seized control of the area in April 2024, and according to United Nations observers, it is actively plundering Rubaya’s mineral wealth. This exploitation allows the insurgency to finance its operations, perpetuating a cycle of violence fueled by the world’s insatiable demand for technology. The mineral that enables global connectivity is simultaneously bankrolling a devastating local war, highlighting a dark paradox at the heart of the modern economy.
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