DRC's Rubaya Tantalum Deposit: Legal Battle Reshapes Global Tech Supply Chains
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at the heart of a legal battle over one of the world's richest tantalum deposits in Rubaya, potentially reshaping global critical mineral supply chains. The DRC and Rwanda together produce nearly 60% of global tantalum output, highlighting the region's strategic importance for technology supply chains.
The dispute centers around the Rubaya concession, currently occupied by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels under U.S. sanctions since 2013. Congo's government maintains that SAKIMA is the rightful owner, while Congo Fair Mining (CFM) won a September 2025 ruling strengthening its claim. Neither company can currently access the site. The U.S. is brokering a peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda to address mineral security and regional stability challenges, including the 'industrialization of Rubaya'. However, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on CFM's parent company in August 2025, alleging links to illegal mining activities and human rights abuses.
The legal battle over the Rubaya concession continues, with significant implications for global technology supply chains. The U.S. is working to secure ethical sources of minerals and maintain technological competitiveness, while also addressing human rights concerns.
