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Your phone, a rare metal and the war in DR Congo
bbc ^ | 02/01/2025 | Damian Zane

Posted on 02/01/2025 9:26:58 AM PST by BenLurkin

The tantalum within your device weighs less than half of the average garden pea but is essential for the efficient functioning of a smartphone, and almost all other sophisticated electronic devices.

The unique properties of this rare, blue-grey, lustrous metal – including being able to hold a high charge compared to its size, while operating in a range of temperatures - make it an ideal material for tiny capacitors, which temporarily store energy.

It is also mined in Rwanda, Brazil and Nigeria but at least 40% - and maybe more – of the element's global supply comes from DR Congo and some of the key mining areas are now under the control of the M23.

The current wave of fighting has been going on for months, but the rebels grabbed attention with Sunday's assault on the vital trading and transport hub of Goma. The city, bordering Rwanda, is a regional centre for the mining business

(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy
KEYWORDS: congo; drc; drcongo; goma; mining; rareearthminerals; rwanda; tantalum

1 posted on 02/01/2025 9:26:58 AM PST by BenLurkin
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To: BenLurkin

The Left hates big corporations, especially big mining corporations.

The Left also hates little individual miners, who opperate small mining claims.

The Left loves to have all mining done by big government, who can make it inefficient, environmentally toxic, and more costly to all involved.


2 posted on 02/01/2025 9:32:30 AM PST by marktwain
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To: BenLurkin
Figures from the US Geological Survey show that Rwanda's coltan exports rose by 50% between 2022 and 2023. Mr Matthysen said this could not have all come from Rwanda.

What in the hell justifies the USGS getting involved there?

3 posted on 02/01/2025 9:42:37 AM PST by Carry_Okie (The tree of liberty needs a rope.)
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To: marktwain

They don’t hate Corporations, they want the Government to run them.


4 posted on 02/01/2025 9:57:56 AM PST by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING 0F AMERICA, AND HE WILL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE HIM!)
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To: BenLurkin
BBC is concerned about Your phone, a rare metal and the war in DR Congo.

They are counting on many Sensational Announcements, considerable Pearl Clutching, Negro Riots, Tribal Warfare and Murder to present to their Disinformed Audience.

5 posted on 02/01/2025 10:01:43 AM PST by Navy Patriot (I Voted For President Trump, Celebrate Recivilization!)
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To: cowboyusa; marktwain
They don’t hate Corporations, they want the Government to run them.

That is correct, and the electorate did Nazi that coming.

6 posted on 02/01/2025 10:05:26 AM PST by Navy Patriot (I Voted For President Trump, Celebrate Recivilization!)
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To: Carry_Okie

Just another color revolution courtesy of certain three letter agencies.

Nothing to see here.... move along.


7 posted on 02/01/2025 9:20:41 PM PST by LastDayz (A Blunt and Brazen Texan. I Will Not Be Assimilated.)
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To: LastDayz
Just another color revolution courtesy of certain three letter agencies.

Upon behalf of whom?

8 posted on 02/01/2025 9:22:46 PM PST by Carry_Okie (The tree of liberty needs a rope.)
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To: Carry_Okie

Whomever wants control of the Unobtanium. /;^)


9 posted on 02/01/2025 9:45:05 PM PST by LastDayz (A Blunt and Brazen Texan. I Will Not Be Assimilated.)
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