Coltan Mining: How Tantalum-Using Industries can Commit to the Reconstruction of the DRC

Tantalum is a rare, valuable metal essential for electronics, aerospace, and medical industries due to its ability to store electrical charge and resist heat and corrosion. The demand for tantalum surged in 2000, leading to a global supply shortfall and a price spike. This resulted in a rush to mine coltan, a tantalum-bearing ore, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), often in conflict zones and protected national parks. The illegal mining had severe environmental and humanitarian impacts, with mining camps linked to human rights abuses and the destruction of endangered species like Grauer’s gorilla.

The United Nations has issued several reports highlighting the role of natural resource exploitation, including coltan, in fuelling conflict in the DRC. Two main solutions are proposed: banning coltan from the DRC or regulating its trade. A ban may be the simplest approach but fails to address smuggling or the DRC’s economic needs. A more sustainable option would be to regulate the coltan industry, encouraging ethical sourcing and long-term agreements with Congolese suppliers. This approach could contribute to peacebuilding in the region and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

For Members:  

• You can access the full version of the guide accessing member portal.