Introduction to the "Coltan War"

       In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there has been a four year war over coltan, a heat-resistant mineral ore widely used in cell phones, laptops, and play stations. Eighty percent of the world's coltan reserves are in DRC.        There are many problems regarding this issue.The conflict is over many natural resources such as diamonds, tin, copper, gold, but mostly coltan sought by foreign corporations. The price of coltan is expensive (per kilo is equal to 400 US dollars), and the huge coltan profits are fueling the war. These profits are allowing a large amount of people, including government officials, rebels, and foreigners to get as much money as possible. Farmers are forced to join coltan-mining because they have been thrown off their land. About one third of Congo's children quit school to dig for coltan.  There are very poorly conditioned rebel camps which contribute to diesease, starvations, and crime. Also, gorillas are now endangered in this area because they are being killed to make more land for mining. These problems are increasing everyday and seem unsolvalbe.

       A possible solution to this crisis is to publicize this issue. Many people are not aware of this devastation in Congo, and perhaps money can be placed in Congo to develop its infastructure and industry.