Key facts
- Global brands like Amazon, Ericsson, and Sony are alleged to have likely sourced coltan linked to atrocities committed by the M23 militia in the DRC.
- The coltan is reportedly smuggled from mines in North Kivu province, DRC, which are occupied and taxed by the M23 militia.
- The M23 militia allegedly earns nearly £600,000 monthly from coltan taxation, funding its operations and territorial seizures.
- The investigation by Global Witness suggests that traceability systems designed to ensure conflict-free sourcing have largely failed.
- Companies are urged to stop buying coltan from Rwanda unless its origin is thoroughly scrutinized, or until M23 withdraws from key mines.
Leading global brands, including Amazon, Ericsson, and Sony, are "likely" to have sourced coltan linked to a militia accused of widespread atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a year-long investigation by Global Witness. The coltan, essential for mobile phones and computers, is allegedly smuggled from mines in North Kivu province, occupied by the M23 militia, across the border to Rwanda and then exported by Rwandan firms.
The M23 militia, reportedly backed by Rwandan troops, captured the Rubaya mines, which hold about 15% of the world's coltan, two years ago. The UN estimates the militia garners nearly £600,000 monthly from coltan taxation, which funds its operations. The militia has been accused of killing thousands, displacing hundreds of thousands, and committing rape and abduction.
Global Witness's investigation suggests that traceability systems, such as the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) and the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), have largely failed to detect conflict coltan entering supply chains. Smugglers allege Rwandan authorities are aware of the practice, with large quantities of coltan now entering Rwanda through the M23-controlled city of Goma.
Alex Kopp, senior policy and advocacy adviser at Global Witness, stated that the supply chains for everyday tech are "tainted by violence, exploitation and human suffering." He urged government intervention and sanctions against those enabling the M23's occupation. Global Witness recommended that international companies cease buying coltan from Rwanda until M23 withdraws from the Rubaya mines, unless they rigorously scrutinize the coltan's origin before export.
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) expressed deep concern about the situation and acknowledged incentives to subvert formal trade systems, emphasizing the need for vigilance. They stated they have implemented program-level actions and are reviewing allegations. Amazon indicated it is requesting additional due diligence from suppliers associated with identified smelters. Ericsson stated that while tantalum may enter its supply chain through multiple tiers, it is reviewing smelter data and noted that two referenced facilities are RMI-conformant.