Life and Labor in the Rubaya Coltan Mine: A Window into Congo's Struggles

Thu Oct 23 2025 08:29:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Rubaya mine, critical to mobile phone production, showcases the intertwining of conflict and livelihood in eastern DR Congo, under the watchful eye of the M23 rebels.

Amidst ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rubaya coltan mine is both a vital resource for the tech world and a precarious livelihood for thousands. With the M23 rebels managing the site, miners express gratitude for the employment opportunities even as they contend with meager wages and dangerous conditions, alongside their hopes for peace and investment in their community.

The Rubaya mine, located in the lush Masisi Hills of North Kivu, has become a focal point of both economic opportunity and conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recently, this significant mining site, crucial for the production of coltan—a mineral essential for mobile phones—was granted rare access by the M23 rebel group, which controls the area.

With over 10,000 miners laboring daily, the site is alive with activity as workers dig, carry, wash, and filter coltan ore. The grueling labor, rife with challenges such as high temperatures and hazardous conditions, nonetheless offers a meager source of income. “My life has really changed. Mining has really helped me,” shared miner Peter Osiasi, reflecting the transformative power of employment despite adverse conditions.

The Rubaya mine is a treasure trove that holds about 15% of the world’s coltan reserves. This has drawn global interest and investment, with the area historically providing substantial wealth to various armed factions, including the current administration of the M23. This rebel group's presence has been marked by a complex dynamic of control, security, and investment interests, especially following the recent ceasefire agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda.

At the heart of the Rubaya mining operation lies a web of historical and ongoing conflicts, influenced by ethnic tensions and external political motivations, including the role of the United States in securing access to DRC's mineral wealth. Observers note that while the M23 has established a semblance of order, details surrounding financial flows and international partnerships remain murky, given the ongoing tension and allegations of external support for the group.

Mines like Rubaya often become economic lifelines for local communities, yet the miners are frequently paid low wages and work in under-developed conditions. As Osiasi aptly noted, “Business is going very well here because we have at least some semblance of peace, but the pay is very low,” indicating a demand for better wages and community development.

As the specter of peace looms over the region, the local community hopes for advantageous partnerships with global investors that prioritize their well-being. The Rubaya mine supervisor expressed that investment proposals could be welcome if they promised to uplift the community through job creation, education, and essential infrastructure.

There remains much uncertainty about the future, as the miners and their families yearn for lasting peace, better compensation, and a sustainable approach to harnessing the rich mineral resources of their homeland. The ongoing dialogue among various factions, including efforts led by Qatar, highlights the intricate path to reconciliation in a land that has been marred by conflict for too long.