How Critical Technology Minerals Are Fuelling Conflict in DR Congo

Apr 7, 2023 | George Wachira
View Original

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a leading global source of critical “technology” minerals. Cobalt is a key component in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles which are critical for an energy transition from fossil fuels.

About 80 percent of global cobalt reserves are found in DRC. Coltan is a key input for the manufacture of electronics (phones, solar panels, computers, etc.) and about 50 percent of global coltan reserves are domiciled in the DRC. The two minerals are mainly in the perpetually troubled eastern DRC.