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Coltan and Gold Border Labs: Rwanda-Congo Posts after the 2023 EACRF Pull-out

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  • Ayoki, Milton

Abstract

Following the December 2023 withdrawal of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mineral flows across the Rwanda-Congo border have undergone significant transformation. This paper examines how Rwanda's newly established "border labs"—processing facilities and certification centers positioned at strategic border crossings—have become critical nodes in the reconfiguration of Central Africa's coltan and gold supply chains. Using mirror trade statistics from UN Comtrade, Rwanda Mines Board export data (2015-2024), and IPIS mapping of 1,600+ mining sites in eastern DRC, we document a 150% increase in Rwandan coltan exports coinciding with the EACRF withdrawal, while gold exports reached $1.5 billion in 2024. The analysis reveals systematic discrepancies between Rwanda's declared mineral production and export volumes, raising questions about the effectiveness of traceability systems in preventing conflict mineral circulation. As Kigali joins the US-EU critical raw materials partnership, this research provides crucial evidence for policymakers demanding proof that re-exported Congolese minerals are no longer conflict-linked.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayoki, Milton, 2024. "Coltan and Gold Border Labs: Rwanda-Congo Posts after the 2023 EACRF Pull-out," MPRA Paper 126546, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:126546
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • L71 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction - - - Mining, Extraction, and Refining: Hydrocarbon Fuels
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q34 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts

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