Major Tunnel Collapse at DRC's Rubaya Mine Threatens 15% of Global Tantalum Supply

Published: Jan 31, 2026 14:38
【SMM Flash】Major Mine Collapse in Eastern DRC May Impact Global Tantalum Supply. According to the rebel group "M23," a large-scale tunnel collapse occurred recently at the Rubaya copper-tantalum mining area in North Kivu Province, resulting in over 200 fatalities, mostly among artisanal miners, including women and children. Controlled by M23 since April 2024, the mine accounts for over 15% of global tantalum supply, a critical metal used in smartphones, electric vehicles, aerospace, and other high-tech applications. The cause of the accident and its subsequent impacts are still under observation.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Jiaozuo Scandium-Vanadium Park Launches, Boosting High-Purity Vanadium and Energy Storage Chain
Apr 30, 2026 18:41
Jiaozuo Scandium-Vanadium Park Launches, Boosting High-Purity Vanadium and Energy Storage Chain
Read More
Jiaozuo Scandium-Vanadium Park Launches, Boosting High-Purity Vanadium and Energy Storage Chain
Jiaozuo Scandium-Vanadium Park Launches, Boosting High-Purity Vanadium and Energy Storage Chain
[SMM Vanadium Flash News] In April, Phase I of Jiaozuo Scandium-Vanadium New Materials Industrial Park was officially put into operation, with a total investment of 1.08 billion yuan. Relying on the by-product resources of titanium dioxide, the project has an annual production capacity of 2,500 tons of high-purity vanadium pentoxide + 20,000 cubic meters of vanadium electrolyte, directly supporting long-term energy storage orders. High-purity vanadium is entering the high-end alloy and vanadium battery markets, while the electrolyte has established the industrial chain of "titanium dioxide - vanadium electrolyte - energy storage", significantly increasing the added value of by-products..
Apr 30, 2026 18:41
Hongwang Invests $20.46B in Tanzania for Vanadium-Titanium Project, Boosting Global Titanium Supply Chain
Apr 30, 2026 18:39
Hongwang Invests $20.46B in Tanzania for Vanadium-Titanium Project, Boosting Global Titanium Supply Chain
Read More
Hongwang Invests $20.46B in Tanzania for Vanadium-Titanium Project, Boosting Global Titanium Supply Chain
Hongwang Invests $20.46B in Tanzania for Vanadium-Titanium Project, Boosting Global Titanium Supply Chain
[SMM Titanium Flash News] On April 24, Hongwang Group officially announced an investment of approximately 20.46 billion yuan in Tanzania, leasing 500 hectares of land for a 33-year term to build an overseas vanadium-titanium magnetite raw material base. The project will integrate local minerals and energy, construct a "mining and processing integrated" hub, and address the pain point of high external dependence on domestic titanium ore. Domestically, titanium material projects in Loudi, Hunan, and Yangjiang, Guangdong, will be simultaneously promoted to form a two-way layout of overseas raw materials + domestic deep processing, ensuring the security of the high-end titanium material supply chain and accelerating participation in global titanium industry competition.
Apr 30, 2026 18:39
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
Apr 30, 2026 18:36
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
Read More
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
Weekly Magnesium Production Drops 0.5% MoM, Operating Rate at 78.7%
[SMM Weekly Magnesium Production Flash Report] From April 24 to April 30, the weekly production of sampled magnesium plants nationwide was 23,996 tons, with a weekly operating rate of 78.7%, down 0.5% month-on-month.
Apr 30, 2026 18:36
【SMM Flash】Major Mine Collapse in Eastern DRC May Impact Global Tantal - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)