Amidst the lush Masisi Hills of North Kivu province lies the Rubaya mine, a sprawling site where over 10,000 miners toil daily to extract coltan ore, essential for the production of mobile phones and various electronic devices. Recently, M23 rebels granting the BBC rare access unveiled the intense labor conditions present within the mine, where miners utilize shovels and manual washing processes to handle the extracted earth.
Patrice Musafiri, overseeing the mine's operations since M23's takeover in April 2022, described how the site has transformed into a vital economic hub, albeit under perilous circumstances. "The life here may be hard, but for many, it is their only way to earn a living," he explained.
The mine, renowned for holding 15% of the world’s coltan reserves, continues to attract global interest from investors aiming to capitalize on its mineral wealth. Surrounded by treacherous terrain, the site's extraction efforts proceed amidst high temperatures and the threat of toxic gases, making safety at the forefront of miners' concerns. New safety protocols have purportedly been introduced to ensure miner well-being, and there is a current effort to keep armed conflict at bay, with no weapons allowed on site.
However, the mines sit amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, complicated by ethnic strife and a web of accusations against Rwanda. While a ceasefire deal was recently inked between the DR Congo and Rwanda in Washington, tensions persist with the M23 controlling several regions, including Goma.
To date, the M23 has been viewed with skepticism, especially regarding claims of financial gains from taxing coltan operations, particularly as much of the revenue allegedly finds its way to Rwanda, a point strenuously denied by both the M23 and the Rwandan government.
As the local miners work under arduous conditions, with many earning very little, there remains a glimmer of hope, as communities call for better wages and improvements in living conditions. Political analysts have noted that potential investment from American firms could help bolster infrastructure and promote local economies, yet there are substantial concerns over how investments would navigate the complexities of current control and conflict.
Despite the ongoing tensions, miners like Peter Osiasi strive for a more stable future, yearning for an end to violence and improved livelihoods. "I appeal to our leaders to maintain peace here,” he expressed, emphasizing the need for secure and sustainable livelihoods that ensure families can prosper away from the hardships of conflict.
