Coltan is a mineral composed of columbite and tantalite, primarily used to extract tantalum, a metal essential for manufacturing electronic devices. It is a key component in capacitors, which store electrical energy in products like smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. The mining of coltan is concentrated in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it has significant economic importance. However, its extraction often raises ethical concerns, including environmental degradation and human rights violations, as mining operations can be linked to conflict and exploitation in local communities.