M23 group rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have seized control of the Rubaya coltan mining region, a key source of tantalum for global electronics production, and imposed a production tax estimated to bring in around $300,000 a month, the head of the UN mission in Congo, Bintou Keita, told the UN Security Council.
"This generates an estimated $300,000 in revenue per month to the armed group. This is deeply concerning and needs to be stopped," Bintou Keita said.
Keita stressed that this illegal trade fuels armed groups, perpetuates exploitation, and undermines peace efforts.
The situation is further complicated by the smuggling of minerals out of the country, with manufacturers under increasing pressure to ensure their supply chains are free of illegally produced minerals.