Rubaya mines

The Rubaya mines, also known as the Bibatama Mining Concession, is a series of coltan mining sites near the town of Rubaya in Masisi Territory, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Officially, the mining license is held by Société Minière de Bisunzu Sarl (SMB), associated with Congolese senator Édouard Mwangachuchu. Specific sites include Bibatama D2, Luwowo, Gakombe D4, Koyi, Mataba D2, Bundjali, and Bibatama D3.

The mines are the largest coltan producer in the country, producing about 1,000 metric tons of coltan a year, about half of the DRC's total production. According to an April 2019 report by Sofala Partners, the mine employs about 3,500 artisanal miners. The mine is partially mechanized, based on reinvested mining profits. Artisanal miners work with little or no protective gear, and earn about a dollar for 14 hours of mining.

The main export from the mines is an ore concentrate which contains about 33% Ta₂O₅ and 5% Nb₂O₅ by weight. However, the concentrate also contains about 0.14% uranium and 0.02% thorium, which is enough naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) to entail significant complications in handling.