The world’s supply of tantalum, an essential component in most computers and mobile phones, is in jeopardy as armed rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have encircled a key trading hub. The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has blocked trade routes to the city of Goma and is aiding in smuggling tantalum from the country’s richest deposits. This situation poses a significant threat to the global supply chain of essential electronic components.