NORTH KIVU PROVINCE — Global Witness published an investigation alleging that major technology brands likely sourced coltan linked to the M23 militia. Manufacturers including Microsoft, Toyota, Nvidia, and Vodafone likely received the mineral in finished products.

The investigation stated coltan mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is transported to Rwanda before entering international supply chains. Coltan is processed into tantalum for use in electronic capacitors. M23 fighters seized control of the Rubaya mines two years before the report. United Nations experts estimate that coltan taxation in Rubaya generates nearly £600,000 per month for the militia.

The organization reported five of the seven largest Rwandan mineral exporters purchase DRC coltan. Exporters sell the mineral to middlemen who transport it to processing plants in China and Kazakhstan. Large volumes of coltan enter Rwanda through Goma, controlled by M23 forces. A coltan smuggler alleged that Rwandan officials possess complete knowledge of the cross-border mineral smuggling network. The Rwandan government denies providing military assistance to M23 rebels.

Alex Kopp, a senior policy adviser at Global Witness, said, "Behind our everyday tech lies a supply chain tainted by violence, exploitation and human suffering." He also stated, "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." Kopp recommended government sanctions against entities whose financial activities support M23 operations in eastern DRC.

The organization concluded the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative largely failed to identify conflict-sourced coltan. It stated the Responsible Minerals Initiative likely cannot detect smuggled conflict minerals. It advised international corporations to halt Rwandan coltan imports until M23 forces withdraw from Rubaya, unless companies perform independent verification of mineral origin and quality.

Ericsson said it conducted a review of named tantalum processing facilities against its internal supply chain records. "Based on the information currently available to us, two of the facilities referenced appear in Ericsson's supply-chain data and are currently listed as RMI-conformant." The spokesperson said. "One of the named facilities does not appear in our latest supplier-reported smelter list for 2025." The spokesperson added, "However, reviewing RMI conformance alone is not the end of our due diligence activities. Given the seriousness of the allegations concerning coltan from the Rubaya area and the conflict situation in eastern DRC, Ericsson is treating this with the attention that it deserves." Ericsson requested a meeting with Global Witness investigators.