BBC gains rare access to the Congolese mine powering mobile phones
Published: 7/12/2025

BBC has gained rare access to the Rubaya mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, controlled by M23 rebels and crucial for mobile phone production. Over 10,000 miners work daily at the coltan mining site, with extreme conditions and low pay. The mine holds significant coltan reserves, attracting global investors amid efforts for peace and development in the region.