The Rubaya mine, crucial for mobile phone production, employs over 10,000 miners in hazardous conditions, while global attention and potential U.S. investments loom amid ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
Inside the Rubaya Mine: Coltan’s Role in Evolving DR Congo
Inside the Rubaya Mine: Coltan’s Role in Evolving DR Congo
A rare insight into the Rubaya mine, a vital coltan source for mobile phones, under the control of M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a rare opportunity, the BBC gained access to the Rubaya mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a key site for coltan, an essential mineral in mobile phone manufacturing. Managed by the M23 rebel group, this mining operation employs over 10,000 workers in challenging conditions, where miners engage in manual labor to extract this valuable ore.
Scattered across the mine's vast expanse are thousands of workers laboring under difficult circumstances, from shoveling deep underground to hauling heavy sacks of coltan to processing points. “Mining has really helped me,” Peter Osiasi, a miner, reflected on how this work has changed his life since he began five years ago.
This mine, located about 60 km from Goma, is sitting atop 15% of the world’s coltan reserves and half of the DRC’s total deposits, attracting global investor interest amidst a complex backdrop of armed conflict and political challenges. The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsi rebels, controls significant territories in eastern DRC, notably Goma and its surroundings.
This situation follows a recent ceasefire agreement, which theoretically aims to improve security and conditions for miners like Osiasi. According to M23 appointed supervisor Patrice Musafiri, safety measures have been heightened to protect workers and ensure ongoing operations without armed interruption. However, accusations persist regarding the group's financial gains from taxing coltan, claims the M23 denies.
Despite a fragile peace, miners express ongoing concerns over low wages and harsh working conditions, reflecting the broader struggles faced by the region. Political analysts suggest that potential investments from American firms could provide a much-needed economic boost, contingent on addressing local needs and improving infrastructure.
While global dynamics sway around access to the DRC’s mineral wealth, local miners hold onto hope for enduring peace. “I appeal to all leaders to maintain peace in our area,” Osiasi urged. With the future uncertain, the Rubaya mine stands as a microcosm of the potent blend between valuable resources and the quest for stability in a troubled region.
