UN says Congo rebels generating $300,000 monthly in seized mining area

Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have taken control of the Rubaya coltan-mining region, generating an estimated $300,000 monthly by imposing a production tax, the UN Security Council heard.

The M23 movement, reportedly backed by Rwanda, seized the area—responsible for over 15% of global tantalum supply—after intense fighting in April.

UN official Bintou Keita warned that profits from the mineral trade are empowering armed groups and sustaining violence.

She called for international sanctions to curb the illicit trade, as the conflict has displaced over 1 million people and destabilized the region further.