China's Exports of Gallium, Hafnium, Rhenium Surge to 7 Tonnes in July 2026

According to customs data, China’s export volume of unwrought and wrought indium and its products stood at around 20 tonnes in July 2026, compared with approximately 16 tonnes in June 2026. Exports saw a slight month‑on‑month increase, yet remained below the 50‑tonne mark.

[SMM Flash] Rwanda exported 3,264 tonnes of tantalum concentrate according to international trade data in 2025, compared with 2,038 tonnes recorded through the ITSCI Programme, creating a difference of 1,226 tonnes, according to ITSCI. The international trade figure increased 12% from 2,909 tonnes in 2024, while tantalum exports recorded through ITSCI fell 13% from 2,354 tonnes. ITSCI said the difference demonstrates that mineral trading recorded through its programme does not represent the entirety of Rwanda's tantalum exports. The data highlights the challenges of assessing mineral flows in the Great Lakes region using individual traceability or trade datasets. ITSCI said stakeholders should assess potential supply-chain risks and maintain robust due-diligence practices when sourcing tantalum from the region. The divergence is particularly relevant to downstream buyers seeking to distinguish monitored supply from wider regional tantalum trade.

[SMM Flash] The International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) Programme has expanded its traceability operations to Beni in North Kivu, allowing ITSCI-tagged tin, tantalum and tungsten (3T) minerals from North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema to be exported through the city. The move follows a security review and the relocation of provincial authorities and state mining services to Beni. ITSCI said the new route provides an alternative to longer transport routes previously used to move minerals from state-controlled areas of eastern DRC through Maniema. The programme has deployed field staff to support exporters and state mining services while continuing to monitor supply-chain risks and provide due-diligence support. However, traceability remains suspended in several high-risk areas. ITSCI activities remain suspended in Masisi, including Rubaya, which remains under M23/AFC control. Activities are also suspended in parts of South Kivu and Lubero because of continuing security risks. The resumption provides a new monitored export route for 3T minerals from eastern DRC while highlighting the continuing fragmentation of the region's mineral supply chains.