A fierce battle is underway in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for control of the Rubaya coltan mine, a site of strategic importance linked to a proposed minerals-for-security deal with the United States. Fighting in North Kivu’s Masisi territory pits the pro-government Wazalando militia against the Rwanda-backed M23/AFC rebels, who seized the region last year.
The Rubaya mine is central to a draft agreement where the Congolese government offered the Trump administration access to strategic minerals in exchange for military aid to the national army, FARDC. Coltan, the ore mined at Rubaya, is the primary source of tantalum, a critical metal for semiconductors, aerospace components, mobile phones, and other advanced technologies. The mine contributes an estimated 15% of global coltan production. While currently operated by hand with minimal local wages, industrial development would require investments of $50 million to $150 million.
The offensive to recapture the mine began on February 20, with Wazalando-affiliated fighters attacking M23 positions around Rubaya. Following the capture of nearby towns like Kasenyi and Chugi, militia forces advanced within 10 kilometers of the minefields, targeting villages such as Runigi and Kabara. The conflict has triggered significant displacement since February 23, with civilians fleeing toward Ngungu, Bihambwe, Mushaki, Goma, or across the provincial border into South Kivu, often carrying only essential belongings.
The military operation is supported by FARDC’s use of armed drones against rebel positions. Notably, these drones are believed to be Chinese-made, a detail that contrasts with the agreement’s stated aim of reducing U.S. reliance on Beijing-controlled supply chains.
Beyond Rubaya, the Congolese government’s list of potential U.S. investment projects includes the Manono lithium deposits, copper and cobalt mines operated by Chemaf in Upper Katanga and Lualaba, and a germanium-gallium mine in Lubumbashi. The outcome of the battle for Rubaya will directly impact the feasibility of this proposed partnership, as control of the resource remains a prerequisite for any formal agreement.
