DRC puts M23-controlled coltan mine on US strategic mineral shortlist скачать в хорошем качестве

DRC puts M23-controlled coltan mine on US strategic mineral shortlist

On February 5, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo added the M23-controlled Rubaya coltan mine to a strategic mineral shortlist it has made available to US companies, as reported by Reuters. With approximately 15% of global coltan production, Rubaya contains several thousand tons of coltan containing high-grade tantalum concentrations estimated between 20% and 40%. The DRC estimates that it will take between $50 million and $150 million to get the mine operating at full capacity, with the initial investment expected to be recouped in short order, given the strong global demand for tantalum. Artisanal miners ply their trade at the Rubaya coltan mine for only a few dollars a day. Meanwhile, a senior M23 official calls the agreement “deeply flawed” since fighting between the Rwanda-backed terrorist group and Congolese forces are ongoing. The official added that the $800,000 per month the terrorist group receives from controlling the mine is not the purpose of its presence in eastern DRC, but the liberation of its people. He said that by offering the mine to a US company, the administration of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi wants the United States to do its bidding to recover the mine, which he maintains, without provided support, belongs to a private entity. Sources: Congo offers US access to M23-held tantalum mine in minerals deal: Report Firstpost Congo offers tantalum deposit under M23 control to US in minerals pact Mining.com