In the east of the DRC, after the capture of the Rubaya mining site, in the Masisi territory, by the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, the authorities of the North Kivu province complain about the deficit in mineral exploitation. Before the war, the mining sector contributed over 40% of the provincial budget. Today North Kivu says it has suffered a cut in coltan production of 100 tonnes per month, worth around $7 million.
From our correspondent in Goma,
At the headquarters of Kivu Mineral Resources SARL, one of the Goma companies that buys minerals, the atmosphere is not the best. The company’s turnover is declining due to supply problems. “ We lost mainly in the Masisi territory: Rubaya, Ngungu, explains Yvette Mwanza, general director of the company, also president of the House of Representatives mines within the provincial council of the Federation of Congolese Businesses (FEC), in North Kivu. All these locations produce a lot of coltan [colombite-tantalite, NDLR]. But for coltan we receive almost nothing anymore. We can easily produce 30 tons of coltan per month. Now if you take coltan from Maniema, in a whole month you can only get three tons of it. »
Environment 15 % of global tantalum production
The capture of Rubaya by the M23 affects more than 6,000 artisanal diggers who find themselves unemployed, according to the Masisi Artisanal Miners’ Cooperative. Many diggers have fled, which also worries the UN. “ In North Kivu, the consolidation of M23 administrative control over the territories of Masisi and Rutshuru in North Kivu allowed it to establish total control over coltan production, underlined Bintou Keita, head of MONUSCO, during his last visit to the Security Council in New York last September. Trade from the Rubaya region, which is estimated to supply more than 15 % of global tantalum production, generates approximately $300,000 per month for the armed group. This situation is deeply worrying and must stop. »
Buyers’ duty of care
In this context, states and businesses must assume their responsibilities according to civil society. “ All this wars where we live are fueled by mining, underlines Alexis Muhima, leader of the Mines and Hydrocarbons thematic group of civil society North Kivu. So, for us, if all these states and companies that source minerals from this area comply with the duty of care, that would cut any link between the supply of illicit minerals to these armed groups. »
Last May, the M23-AFC announced that it would ban its men from accessing mining sites. However, several civil society representatives denounce the trafficking of minerals, which are then illegally exported to Rwanda and Uganda.
How does the situation in North Kivu impact local communities and the mining sector’s contributions to the provincial budget?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Yvette Mwanza, General Director of Kivu Mineral Resources SARL
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Welcome, Yvette Mwanza! Thank you for joining us today from Goma. The situation in North Kivu is dire, especially following the M23’s capture of the Rubaya mining site. Could you shed some light on the immediate impact this has had on the mining sector and your company?
Yvette Mwanza (Y.M.): Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation is critical. Before the conflict escalated, the mining sector contributed over 40% to North Kivu’s provincial budget. However, with the capture of Rubaya and other areas, we’ve lost a significant portion of our coltan production—around 100 tonnes per month. That’s a financial loss of approximately $7 million that the province can no longer rely on.
T.E.: That’s alarming. You mentioned that Rubaya was once a key producer of coltan. How has this disruption affected your company specifically?
Y.M.: It has been devastating for us. We primarily sourced our coltan from the Masisi territory, and with the ongoing conflict, supply has plummeted. We used to have easy access to about 30 tonnes of coltan monthly, but now we’re barely getting three tonnes, and that’s only from Maniema. Our turnover is dropping, and it’s challenging to sustain our operations when the resources we depend on are being cut off.
T.E.: Beyond the immediate financial repercussions, what does this mean for the broader community and the economy in North Kivu?
Y.M.: The ripple effects are massive. The mining sector not only supports jobs within companies like mine but also contributes to local communities through taxes and infrastructure development. As these resources dwindle, we’re likely to see increased poverty and less access to essential services. This will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis already facing the region.
T.E.: It’s clear that instability is a profound barrier to progress. What, if anything, is being done to address this situation and restore mining operations?
Y.M.: There’s a dire need for stronger governance and support from the international community to stabilize the region. Local authorities in North Kivu are seeking dialogue and intervention to reclaim control of these resource-rich areas. We also need to ensure that our operations are secured and that the rights of local miners are protected.
T.E.: Speaking of protections, many companies face ethical scrutiny over their mining practices, particularly in conflict zones. How do you address these concerns?
Y.M.: Responsible mining is key. We should ensure that minerals are sourced ethically and benefit local communities. Transparency and traceability are crucial in our supply chains. We’re actively working to comply with global standards, and collaboration with NGOs and the government can help ensure that our operations do not fund conflict but rather foster peace and development.
T.E.: Before we conclude, what is your vision for the future of the mining sector in North Kivu?
Y.M.: My vision is one of resilience. I hope to see a North Kivu where the mining sector can be a vehicle for development and stability rather than a source of conflict. With proper governance, community involvement, and international support, we can rebound from this crisis and once again become a leading player in the global coltan market.
T.E.: Thank you, Yvette, for sharing your insights with us. It’s a complex situation, but we appreciate your commitment to fostering positive change despite the challenges.
Y.M.: Thank you for having me. Together, we can raise awareness and push for actions that will benefit our people and secure a better future for North Kivu.