The investigation by campaign group Global Witness highlights the growing challenge facing the global technology industry as demand rises for minerals essential to modern electronics while efforts to create transparent, conflict-free supply chains struggle to keep pace. Coltan from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains a critical resource for the production of smartphones, computers and other devices, but the mineral’s links to armed groups, smuggling networks and allegations of human rights abuses continue to expose vulnerabilities in the global supply chain.
Global technology companies including Amazon, Ericsson and Sony may have sourced minerals linked to a militia accused of atrocities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to an investigation by campaign group Global Witness.
The group said companies may have unknowingly acquired coltan from mines in North Kivu province controlled by the M23 armed group, which has been accused by the United Nations and rights organisations of killings, sexual violence and other abuses. Rwanda has denied supporting the rebel movement.
Coltan, a mineral ore containing tantalum, is a key component in the manufacture of capacitors used in mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. Global Witness said coltan extracted from the Rubaya mining area, which contains an estimated 15% of the world’s supply, was being smuggled across the border into Rwanda before entering international supply chains.
Alex Kopp, senior policy and advocacy adviser at Global Witness, said: “Behind our everyday tech lies a supply chain tainted by violence, exploitation and human suffering.”
The organisation called for stronger government action to hold companies accountable and for sanctions against individuals and entities whose financial activities support M23’s control of mineral-rich areas.
The investigation said M23 seized the Rubaya mines two years ago and imposes a tax on coltan production. A United Nations group of experts has estimated that the group earns almost £600,000 ($800,000) a month from coltan taxation in the area, providing revenue for its operations.
M23 has captured large areas of eastern DRC, killing thousands and displacing hundreds of thousands of people, according to rights groups and international organisations.
Global Witness said it interviewed coltan traders and reviewed trade records, customs data and supply-chain information, finding that five of Rwanda’s seven largest coltan exporters buy minerals originating from the DRC.
The mineral is then sold through intermediaries to smelters in China and Kazakhstan, where it is processed into tantalum before being used in electronic components.
The investigation raised concerns about whether existing mineral traceability systems are effective in preventing conflict minerals from entering global markets.
The International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi), a traceability scheme used by companies to track mineral supply chains, should theoretically help ensure minerals are sourced responsibly. However, Global Witness said the system had failed to identify conflict-linked coltan from eastern DRC.
It also criticised the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), saying such schemes may not be able to detect minerals from conflict areas entering supply chains.
Kopp said: “The companies behind our phones, computers and cars haven’t been able or willing to clean up their supply chains. This fuels instability and prolongs the suffering of communities.”
Global Witness urged companies to stop buying coltan from Rwanda until M23 withdraws from the Rubaya mines, unless they can independently verify the origin of the minerals.
The companies named in the report rejected suggestions that they had knowingly sourced conflict minerals and said they maintained due diligence procedures.
An Amazon spokesperson, Margaret Callahan, said: “We’re committed to providing products and services that are produced or supplied in a way that respects human rights and the environment – in accordance with our supply-chain standards and all applicable laws.”
She added that Amazon does not generally source directly from mines or smelters but continues to work with suppliers and upstream partners on responsible mineral sourcing.
Ericsson said it took the allegations “very seriously” and conducted checks on the smelters identified in the investigation.
“Ericsson does not source raw minerals directly. Tantalum may enter our supply chain through multiple tiers of suppliers and processors, which is why we conduct due diligence through supplier reporting, smelter identification, industry programmes, and engagement with the Responsible Minerals Initiative,” the company said.
Vodafone said it did not manufacture electronic products or directly purchase minerals.
“Vodafone is not distinguished from other UK and global telecom operators, technology retailers and many other high street stores, in selling electronic products,” the company said.
The Responsible Minerals Initiative said it remained concerned about the security and human rights situation in eastern DRC and that it had taken steps to strengthen oversight of mineral supply chains.
“The RMI has implemented extensive programme-level actions over the past three years, including additional guidance to smelters and assessors, customised training, enhanced quality assurance and more,” the organisation said.
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