The mining site of Rubaya in east DRC, which fell into the hands of M23 rebels a year ago, is believed to produce 15–20% of the world’s coltan and to generate nearly $800,000 in monthly revenue rebel group (according to the UN). The DRC is the world’s leading producer of this ore, from which niobium and tantalum are extracted — two metals found in numerous technological components, including our smartphones, computers, aircraft turbines, and even certain medical prostheses.

Produced for Challenges with journalist Théodore de Kerros