Summary
Reporters from the BBC visited the Rubaya mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which produces coltan, a mineral used in electronics like mobile phones. The mine, overseen by M23 rebels, employs over 10,000 workers and plays a crucial role in the global supply chain for electronic devices.
Key Facts
- The Rubaya mine is located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and produces coltan, a key mineral for electronics.
- More than 10,000 people work at the mine daily.
- M23 rebels control the mining site and allowed BBC reporters to visit.
- Coltan from this mine accounts for 15% of the world's supply and half of DR Congo's deposits.
- The mine is in the Masisi Hills, about 60 kilometers from the city of Goma.
- The region is known for complex security issues, with various armed groups involved over time.
- A recent ceasefire deal between DR Congo and Rwanda aims to end long-standing instability, but M23 was not part of this agreement.
- The United States has shown interest in DR Congo's mineral resources, though details remain unspecified.
