Tons of Minerals Extracted from Rubaya Were Transported to Rwanda: UN Reports

The coltan mining activities in Rubaya, controlled by the AFC-M23 coalition, have fueled a lucrative trade for the group. According to a UN report reviewed by Xtrafrica, this trade generates up to $800,000 monthly. To sustain their operations, the coalition has forced local communities into labor, widening roads to support mineral transport routes.

AFC-M23’s Grip on Rubaya and Its Mines

Since April 30, 2024, the AFC-M23 coalition has taken control of Rubaya, a city surrounded by mineral-rich areas. This region is known for its abundance of coltan, tin, and manganese. As per the UN experts' findings, the coalition has established a monopoly on mining, production, and export operations in the area.

Upon capturing Rubaya, AFC-M23 leaders, such as Corneille Nangaa, encouraged miners to continue their work. However, a parallel mining administration was set up, mimicking state functions. A “ministry” was created to oversee natural resource management, issuing mining permits in exchange for fees ranging from $25 to $250.

Exporting Minerals to Rwanda

The AFC-M23 coalition also established strict control over transportation and trade routes. M23 fighters monitored mining sites to ensure that only authorized buyers obtained the minerals. Those who defied the rules faced detention at bases like Mushaki.

Minerals extracted from Rubaya were transported to Rwanda via key roads controlled by the M23_AFC. Satellite images show convoys of trucks moving these resources across the border at the Kabuhanga post. These minerals were then mixed with Rwanda's local production, making their origins harder to trace.

An estimated 120 tons of coltan were exported from Rubaya each month. Convoys of up to five vehicles, each carrying around five tons, made trips twice a week. The coalition charged a tax of $7 per kilogram of exported coltan, earning at least $800,000 monthly.

Forced Labor and Exploitation

To ensure smooth transport, the coalition forced local villagers into “salongo,” a form of labor under duress. These individuals were compelled to expand roads between Kibumba, Kabuhanga, Rubaya, and Kirolirwe. Failure to comply often led to severe consequences, according to UN Reports

A Global Challenge for Transparency

The coltan mined under AFC-M23’s control is mixed with Rwanda’s output and enters international markets as part of the "3T" minerals (tin, tantalum, and tungsten). This creates a significant challenge for global traceability initiatives and efforts to ensure transparency in mineral sourcing from the Great Lakes region.