Coltan mining in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Dangers of Demand for Cell phones
What is Coltan?
Coltan is the shortened name for a dull metallic ore called columbite-tantalite. Refined coltan has a unique property for storing electrical charge. The ore Columbite-tantalite occurs in granitic pegmatites, pockets of deep crystallized magma. (University of Waterloo: Earth and Sciences Museum 2023).
Due to coltan's unique ability to store electrical charge, coltan has become one of the most widely used ores around the world. However, what is coltan used for specifically? The answer to that question is that coltan is used in a variety of electronic devices. Smartphones, laptops, computers, Xboxes, Wii's, televisions, etc..., all require colan to function. The computer being used to read this right now also uses coltan. It is a highly prized and desired ore internationally.
When coltan is refined it is converted into a metallic state called tantalum. Tantalum then becomes heat resistant and gains the ability to store electrical charge, thus making it an ideal component in technological crafting. With the global rise in demand for luxury electronic goods, so too will a rise in parts like coltan become necessary for the creation of said goods. Now, mined coltan can sell for roughly $500 per kg. creating a VERY lucrative mining business. (Gen 2018).
Where is Coltan Found?
Coltan mines have begun to pop up in a variety of places. China, Brazil, Canada, and Western Australia all have coltan mines. Much of the world's supply of coltan though comes from Sub-Saharan Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Mozambique for example all have well-developed coltan mines. The Democratic Republic of Congo also sources 80% of the world's coltan supply. (University of Waterloo: Earth and Sciences Museum 2023).
Dangers of Coltan Mining
The Democratic Republic of Congo sources nearly 80% of the world's coltan. However, coltan in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and quickly becoming the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, is a dangerous material. A majority of Coltan production deposits are under the control of African gangs and rebel troops that mine the ore illegally. The illegal ore is then quietly sold to a legitimate smelter where it is then sold internationally. The African people of the Democratic Republic of Congo are also taken advantage of due to the rising global demand for coltan. Men, women, and children are often forced at gunpoint to help the illegal miners mine the coltan ore. Many of the people taken are the poorer citizens of Congo, people, "not likely to be missed." 30% of the African laborers forced to mine at gunpoint are children. Reportedly 40,000 children are forced to mine coltan, some as young as seven years old. These children are then forced to work under harsh and strenuous conditions for a measly $1 a day. Many children are beaten as well and then forced to pay a "fine" or "penalty fee" which is then immediately turned over to corrupt police or government officials. (Love, 2017).
Dangers of Coltan Mining Continued...
The Democratic Republic of Congo not only has to worry about internal threats due to the coltan mining industry but also external ones as well. Countries surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo also want a piece of the prosperous coltan pie. Countries surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo, such as Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi have been reported smuggling coltan from Congo. "'By one estimate, the Rwandan army made at least $250 million over a period of 18 months through the sale of coltan, even though no coltan is mined in Rwanda"' (Chungu, 2018). To add to the smuggling all countries involved vehemently deny any involvement in the stealing and exploitation of Congo resources. "The Un had also noted in its 2001 report that 'consequences of illegal exploitation has been twofold: (a)massive availability of financial resources for Rwandan Patriotic Army, and the individual enrichment of top Ugandan military commanders and civilians; (b) the emergence of illegal networks headed by either top military officers or businessmen"'(Chungu, 2018). Thus, Congo is being taken advantage of by outside forces, while also inadvertently strengthening outside countries, gang leaders, and rebel factions.
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