A year-long investigation by the non-governmental organization Global Witness alleges that systems designed to ensure ethical sourcing have broken down, allowing smuggled conflict coltan from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to infiltrate international supply chains. The report claims these minerals may have reached products associated with major technology companies, including NVIDIA Corp. and Microsoft Corp. The findings suggest that despite years of investment programs to prevent illicit mineral extraction, conflict-linked resources continue to flow into the global supply chain, raising concerns about human rights abuses and exploitation.

Tracking the Flows

The investigation focuses on the North Kivu province, which supplies approximately 15% of global tantalum demand. According to Global Witness, mines in this region have become a financial engine for the M23 rebel movement, accused of widespread human rights abuses. Following M23’s takeover, mineral trafficking increased significantly. UN data cited in the report estimates that at least 120 tons of coltan crossed into Rwanda monthly in 2024, primarily through official border crossings.

The report argues that traceability programs such as ITSCI and Better Mining are vulnerable to manipulation. Smuggled minerals are allegedly mixed with legitimately sourced Rwandan production before being tagged and exported. After leaving Rwanda, shipments move through ports in Tanzania and Kenya before reaching processing facilities. Global Witness identified eight major smelters handling significant volumes of Rwandan coltan between 2023 and 2025, located in China, Kazakhstan, and Thailand.

Corporate Responses

Apple Inc. took an aggressive stance, stating it instructed suppliers to halt purchases from both Rwanda and the DRC because it believed industry certification mechanisms could no longer perform the required due diligence. Ericsson noted its collaboration with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, while Toyota emphasized its proactive search for conflict-free sourcing. Other companies chose not to engage publicly. NVIDIA, Microsoft, Amazon.com, Inc., Vodafone Group Plc, and LG did not respond to requests for comment.

Recommendations

To address these failures, Global Witness recommends an immediate suspension of Rwandan coltan, arguing that responsible sourcing under current conditions is almost impossible. The organization also advises stronger corporate accountability, stricter regulations, suspension of military exports to Rwanda, and sanctions against M23 commanders and senior Rwandan officials responsible for the situation.

Nvidia Corp. has appointed veteran lobbyist Bruce Andrews as its Chief External Affairs Officer to steer its government affairs strategy as U.S.-China tensions over advanced AI chips continue to escalate. Andrews will report to General Counsel Tim Teter and focus on managing relationships with U.S. policymakers as artificial intelligence and semiconductor regulation become central to national security debates. The appointment underscores the increasing importance of regulatory navigation for Nvidia amidst tightening export controls.

Strategic Leadership Addition

Andrews brings decades of policy and lobbying experience to his new role. He previously led government affairs at semiconductor rival Intel Corp. and served as a Commerce Department official during the Barack Obama administration. In a LinkedIn post announcing his move, Andrews stated, "I'm looking forward to helping NVIDIA lead the AI revolution and reach new breakthroughs for America and the world."

Navigating Export Controls

The hiring comes as Nvidia faces tighter U.S. export controls on its most advanced AI chips bound for China. While Washington has restricted sales of high-end processors over security concerns, Nvidia has received licenses to export less advanced H200 chips. Reports indicate that although U.S. regulators have approved certain Chinese buyers for Nvidia's H200 chips, shipments have yet to materialize.

Market Dynamics and Growth Outlook

CEO Jensen Huang has argued that limiting access to China could weaken U.S. competitiveness in AI. He has emphasized that Nvidia must continue engaging the Chinese market or risk allowing rivals to fill the gap. Huang has also pointed to long-term opportunities in AI infrastructure, noting that global demand, including in China, remains a key driver of Nvidia's growth outlook.

According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, NVDA is in the 98th percentile for growth, indicating strong medium and long-term performance, though its short-term trend is weaker.