Columbite-tantalite (Coltan) is a mineral used in the production of cell phones, laptops and many other new electronics. Most of the world’s known deposits are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
MORE THAN FIVE MILLION (5,000,000) people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 1996, according to the International Rescue Committee. It’s estimated that 45,000 more die each month. These deaths are said to be the direct or indirect consequences of ongoing conflict waging in the country that continues to this day. An in depth look at the situation reveals the sad truth of how low humanity can sink into corruption.
Eastern DRC is also home to rich deposits of diamonds, cobalt and coltan. It’s estimated that 60 to 80 percent of the known deposits of coltan is found in the Congo. Even though coltan is so unknown to most people that it’s not even recognized by spell check, we rely on it as a vital component for many of our modern electronics including laptops, cell phones, video game systems and camera lenses.
Continue reading Congo Conundrum Part I
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