A landslide at a major coltan mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has caused the collapse of several mines, killing at least 200 people.
Coltan is a critical ore containing tantalum, an essential metal used in smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines, making Congo strategically important in global supply chains.
According to the US Geological Survey, Congo produced around 40% of the world’s coltan in 2023, with Australia, Canada, and Brazil as other major suppliers. Rubaya’s mines alone account for over 15% of global tantalum supply.
The incident highlights the human cost, safety gaps, and vulnerability embedded in global critical mineral sourcing.
APSC Relevance:
Critical minerals, global supply chains, resource geopolitics, mining safety.
Course Purchase Query 