Amnesty International has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo of serious abuses against miners, including killings, torture, and forced labour, saying the conduct could constitute war crimes. The rights group says it documented the alleged killing of 18 miners across the Rubaya coltan mine and Lomera gold mine in North and South Kivu — regions rich in gold and coltan, minerals critical to the global electronics industry — and that minerals from M23-controlled areas are being smuggled into neighbouring Rwanda. M23 and Rwandan authorities did not respond to requests for comment, though Rwanda has previously denied both supporting the rebels and profiting from Congo's mineral wealth.