Guangxi Yusheng Germanium Industry to Hold Public Tender for Germanium Products on the 31st [SMM Report]

[SMM Flash] Conflict-mineral risks surrounding eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) coltan supply chain remain significant despite increased international scrutiny and diplomatic efforts. Rubaya, a major coltan-producing area in North Kivu under AFC/M23 control, has become a key source of revenue for the armed group. Recent investigations indicate that coltan from the area continues to move through Rwanda before entering international supply chains, raising concerns over the effectiveness of existing mineral traceability and responsible-sourcing systems. A June 2026 investigation found evidence that at least five of Rwanda's seven largest coltan exporters had purchased material originating from M23-controlled areas in the DRC. The material was reportedly sold onward to traders and smelters in China and Kazakhstan before entering downstream electronics supply chains. The findings reinforce earlier UN assessments that minerals from Rubaya can be mixed with legitimate Rwandan production, making their origin increasingly difficult to verify. International pressure has intensified. The US Treasury sanctioned a Rwandan network in June over illicit mineral trading linked to M23, while DRC-Rwanda monitoring mechanisms under the Washington Accords continued in August. At the same time, DRC and AFC/M23 representatives have pursued a separate Doha peace process. For tantalum and coltan buyers, the developments highlight a growing need for stronger origin verification, independent audits and supply-chain controls as geopolitical risk increasingly becomes a factor in critical-mineral procurement.

[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.

[SMM Flash] Sinomine Resource Group is in talks to acquire Globe Metals & Mining’s Kanyika niobium development project in Malawi. The potential transaction would bring the Chinese critical-minerals group closer to a project it is already supporting through Sinomine International (Zambia) Engineering, which has been involved in early construction and development works at Kanyika. Globe began construction in January 2026 under a cost-reimbursable collaboration agreement, while first oxide production is targeted for the first quarter of 2028. Kanyika is positioned as a potential source of niobium and tantalum oxides, with Globe’s 2026 project plan targeting approximately 3,000 tonnes per year of Nb₂O₅ and 150 tonnes per year of Ta₂O₅ at full scale. Globe has previously retained full ownership and offtake rights while using Sinomine’s regional construction and processing expertise. Any acquisition would strengthen Sinomine’s exposure to niobium outside China and could add another strategic African critical-minerals asset to its expanding international portfolio.