Multinationals Linked to Rubaya Coltan Smuggling Under AFC-M23, Says Global Witness

Thousands of tons of coltan extracted from the Rubaya mine in North Kivu have allegedly found their way into the supply chains of major global technology and automotive firms, according to a year-long investigation by the NGO Global Witness.

The report, published Wednesday, claims that coltan from Rubaya is illicitly transported to Rwanda. Once in Rwanda, the mineral's traceability becomes difficult to establish as it is integrated into international commercial circuits. Rwandan exporters reportedly sourced the conflict mineral before selling it to smelters in China and Kazakhstan, where it is processed into tantalum. This metal is a key component in numerous electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, gaming consoles, and automotive parts.

Global Witness suggests that several multinational corporations could be indirectly linked to this supply chain, despite existing control mechanisms designed to ensure responsible mineral sourcing. Among the companies cited are Sony, Microsoft, Amazon, LG, Nvidia, Ericsson, Toyota, and Vodafone. However, the NGO acknowledges that tracing the mineral becomes challenging once it enters the international processing and supply chains.

The report also scrutinizes the ITSCI traceability system, which aims to track minerals from high-risk areas. Global Witness alleges that this system has facilitated the entry of smuggled coltan into legal supply chains by assigning it a Rwandan origin. This situation raises significant questions about the efficacy of current certification and control mechanisms for mineral trade in the Great Lakes region. Experts from the United Nations estimate that over 120 tons of coltan were illegally transferred monthly from the DRC to Rwanda in 2024, totaling at least 1,400 tons over the year.