By Obiabin Onukwugha
Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has extended a ban on the trading of minerals from dozens of artisanal mining sites, for another six months.
The extension adds compliance pressure on global supply chains for tin, tantalum and tungsten, which are key inputs for the electronics, automotive and aerospace industries.
The ban, which was introduced in February, this year is being extended over suspected financing of armed groups through illegal supply from mines.
This was revealed through an order dated November 3 and signed by the Congolese mines minister, Louis Watum Kabamba.
The order, applies to 38 sites producing coltan, cassiterite and wolframite – ingredients for tin, tantalum and tungsten – in Masisi territory in North Kivu and Kalehe territory in South Kivu of the country
Reuters reported on Tuesday that Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and other armed groups have captured significant territory in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, which led to the ban.
Mineral wealth has long been seen as fuelling violence in the east, with combatants using coltan, cassiterite and gold sites usedto fund their operations, according to U.N. experts and rights groups.
