Global prices for tantalite, a critical mineral used in electronics and aerospace industries, have reached their highest levels since 2023 due to ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s top producer of the mineral.
Tantalite is currently trading at \$100–\$105 per pound on the European spot market—a 25% increase since violence intensified in eastern DRC earlier this year. The surge has been driven by supply disruptions caused by the renewed offensive by the M23 rebel group, which has destabilized mining operations across key regions.
Tantalite contains tantalum, an essential component in medical devices, capacitors, and nuclear reactor parts. With legitimate, traceable supply from the DRC becoming increasingly scarce, market participants say securing stable contracts has become unpredictable.
“You might sign a deal in a supposedly safe province, only for it to fall into rebel control within weeks,” a minor metals trader told reporters.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, many Western smelters have turned to alternative suppliers in Burundi, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. However, output from these nations remains limited. According to Argus analyst Sian Morris, the shift in sourcing has pushed prices higher due to the tight global supply.
Data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that the DRC and Rwanda together produced over 58% of the world’s tantalum in 2024, totaling 1,230 metric tonnes. In contrast, Burundi, Mozambique, and Ethiopia accounted for just 4.6% of global output.
“There are no major producers that can quickly ramp up output, aside from artisanal miners, which raise environmental and traceability concerns,” said Piyush Goel, a consultant at CRU Group.
Meanwhile, efforts to stabilize the region are ongoing. A senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the DRC and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities and attracting significant Western investment in the region’s mining sector.