Workers excavate at a site within Maputo National Park, highlighting ongoing conservation and archaeological activities.
Deep in DR Congo’s conflict-ridden Masisi Hills of North Kivu province, the BBC gained rare access to the coltan-rich Rubaya mine, now controlled by M23 rebels. This sprawling site, which holds 15% of the world’s coltan, buzzes with thousands of miners extracting the mineral that is vital to the production of smartphones. Despite the hazardous and grueling nature of the work, many miners say the job has brought stability to their lives. The M23 claims to have brought order to the mine’s operations, banning armed men and establishing safety measures. With US interest growing, hopes for foreign investment—and peace—are rising. Yet questions linger over who will truly benefit.
BBC