Technology giants such as Sony (NYSE:SONY), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) are likely sourcing minerals tied to conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a new investigation by Global Witness.
Global Witness reveals that five of the seven biggest exporters of coltan from Rwanda have bought conflict coltan.
Coltan, short from columbite-tantalite, is a dull, metallic ore. The mineral is used to be refined into tantalum. Tantalum stores and releases electricity charges efficiently, while withstanding extreme temperatures.
The looted minerals come from Rubaya in the DRC’s North Kivu province, where 15% of the world’s coltan is extracted.
Rwandan-backed military group M23 has been illegally occupying the mines for two years, making coltan a main revenue source for its warfare, as reported by Global Witness.
Following interviews with coltan smugglers, Global Witness found that exporters were selling coltan through middlemen to smelters in China and Kazakhstan.
Tainted supply chain
Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisory Alex Kopp says behind the technology consumed lies a supply chain tainted by “violence and exploitation”.
“The companies behind our phones, computers, and cars haven’t been able or willing to clean up their supply chains,” Kopp says.
“This fuels instability and prolongs the suffering of communities. Urgent and decisive action is needed to hold corporations accountable and to impose sanctions on those whose financial activities enable and sustain M23’s brutal conflict and illegal occupation.”
Global Witness reached out to several technology giants, and all of the companies responded by denying sourcing conflict minerals or stating that they aim to procure conflict-free minerals.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Amazon, Microsoft, Vodafone (NSE:IDEA), and LG (TSX-V:LG) did not respond to Global Witness’ request for comment.
Global Witness’ investigation covers data from 2023 to September 2025, and is based on field and desk research over one year. The company reviewed trade data and conducted interviews with 70 actors from governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Getty Images
