Global brands ‘likely’ using mineral that funds rebels accused of atrocities in DRC, investigation finds
Summary
A new investigation found that major global companies like Amazon, Ericsson, and Sony likely used a mineral called coltan sourced from mines controlled by the M23 militia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The M23 militia has been accused of serious crimes including violence and sexual abuse, and they tax coltan mining to fund their operations. The coltan is smuggled through Rwanda and ends up in products made by big tech and automotive companies.Key Facts
- Coltan is a mineral important for making electronics like phones and computers.
- Mines in North Kivu province, DRC, hold about 15% of the world’s coltan.
- The M23 militia took control of these mines two years ago and funds their activities by taxing coltan production.
- M23 has been accused of widespread violence, including killing, rape, and displacement of civilians.
- Coltan is smuggled into Rwanda, then sold by exporters to smelters in China and Kazakhstan.
- Processed coltan becomes tantalum, a metal used in electronic components.
- Global Witness, the investigative group, says many big brands likely have coltan linked to the conflict in their supply chains.
- The investigation suggests that current systems meant to prevent conflict minerals from entering supply chains have failed.
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