UN says Congo rebels generating $300,000 monthly in seized mining area

1/10/2024 7:51

        Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have consolidated control over the Rubaya coltan-mining region, imposing a production tax estimated to
        generate around $300,000 in monthly revenue, the United Nations security council heard on Monday.
        
        The M23 movement, a Tutsi-led organization purportedly backed by Rwanda, seized the area, which produces minerals used in smartphones and computers, following intense fighting in April.
        
        Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, told the Security Council that trade from minerals in the Rubaya area accounts for over 15% of global tantalum supply.
        
        Congo is the world's top producer of tantalum which is considered a critical mineral by the United States and the European Union.
        
        "This generates an estimated $300,000 in revenue per month to the armed group," Keita said. "This is deeply concerning and needs to be stopped."