By Cecilia Jamasmie
Publication Date: 2026-06-11 13:23:00
Coltan smuggled from mines controlled by the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo has entered supply chains serving major technology and automotive companies, exposing weaknesses in industry efforts to keep conflict minerals out of consumer products, a new report shows.
London-based investigative group Global Witness found that five of Rwanda’s seven largest coltan exporters purchased material originating from the Rubaya mining area in North Kivu, where M23 has controlled operations for the past two years.
The report said the mineral, which is used in smartphones, computers and other electronics, is likely to have reached supply chains connected to Sony, Microsoft, Amazon, LG Display, Ericsson, Toyota, Nvidia and Vodafone.
The investigation covered the period from 2023 through September 2025 and drew on trade data, field research and interviews with more than 70 sources.
“Behind our everyday tech lies a supply chain tainted by violence, exploitation, and human suffering,” Alex Kopp, senior policy and advocacy advisor at Global Witness, said. “The companies behind our phones, computers and cars haven’t been able or willing to clean up their supply chains.”
The findings raise fresh questions about the effectiveness of mineral traceability and due diligence programs that companies rely on to certify responsible sourcing….
