Mining in the Congo

The bloody, mineral-fueled conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was recently addressed by the UN in an investigative report and press conference. For the last five years, Pact has worked with local partners to transform the mining of gold, copper and cobalt in DRC from a source of conflict into a positive force for development. Much of our work focuses on DRC’s massive artisanal mining community (responsible for 90 percent of DRC’s mineral exports) and large mining companies. Our approach facilitates communication between sometimes opposing forces and aims to reduce the conflicts in and around the mines.

Below are some resources that both help explain the problems and offer solutions to the complicated dynamics in the DRC mining sector.

News

• Letter to the Editor: "On-the-ground work helps Congo more than foreign efforts." Published July 29, 2010 in the Washington Post
• Press Release: "Calls to Ban 'Conflict Gold' Ignore Reality on the Ground"
• Event: Pact Speaks about its work with PROMINES at the Conflict Minerals Forum

Introductory Resources

Artisanal mining (meaning small groups and individuals) is responsible for a staggering 90 percent of all mineral exports in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Below are two fact sheets that explain the artisanal mining situation in DRC and also how Pact helps build bridges between artisanal miners, the government, and large-scale mining interests. The ultimate aim is to educate the population on their rights as artisanal miners, while finding innovative ways to reduce conflict in and around the mines.

• Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (PDF, 2 Pages)
• Building Bridges Between Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining and Large-Scale Mining (PDF, 2 Pages)

In-Depth Resources

For a much deeper understanding of the many facets of the mining issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we have included the following reports and papers. Covering the background of the artisanal mining community in DRC, analyzing the complicated trade routes that minerals from the DRC follow, and analyzing how the world can help contribute to DRC’s conflict-free future are all covered in these extensive materials. They are vital reading for those looking to steep themselves in mining issues in DRC.

• Contributing Towards a Post-Conflict Transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (PDF, 21 Pages)
• Researching National Resources and Trade Flows in the Great Lakes Region (PDF, 66 Pages)
• Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Livelihoods in Africa (PDF, 75 Pages)

Video and Photos from the Field

• Child Mining in Congo: Child mining is a major issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Occurring all over the country, the problem is particularly acute in the Katanga Province in southern DRC. In one town alone – Kolwezi – there are approximately 10,000 children working in the copper and cobalt mines and washing sites. In this video Extractive-industries expert Karen Hayes (Director, Corporate Engagement Africa Region) visits a copper and cobalt washing site in Kolwezi to speak with child miners. Click to Watch
• Conflict Minerals: Karen Hayes, at the BSR Conference 2010, discusses Pact's partnership with the International Tin Industry to implement a traceability system for minerals in DRC and neighboring countries. Click to Watch