LIBS1135 Case Study 2: Conflict Minerals & DRC Mining Analysis

This case study, based on the provided assignment and brief, examines the 'Conflict Minerals' initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on the perceptions of local mining communities. It delves into the social, environmental, and economic impacts of mining in various regions of the DRC, including North Kivu, South Kivu, and Maniema. The case study highlights the informal and often dangerous conditions of artisanal mining, the exploitation of workers (including child labor), and the role of conflict minerals in perpetuating insecurity. It explores the low wages of mine workers, migration patterns, and the complex relationship between the DRC's natural resources and its economic development. The study also addresses the consequences of migration near the Kahuzi-Biega national park and the challenges of managing and regulating the mining sector, including corruption and the influence of armed groups. The assignment also analyzes the impact of the presidential suspension of artisanal mining on the local socio-economic conditions. It references the work of Matthysen and Montejano, providing a comprehensive overview of the issues and challenges in the DRC's mining industry.

LIBS1135 – Case Study 2 1
Title: Subtitle
Student Name
Student Number
Course Name/Code
Course Instructor
Assignment Due Date

LIBS1135 – Case Study 2 2
Case Study 2
Part A: Complete the following table.
Region in the DRC North Kivu-Rubaya, North Kivu- Walikale, South Kivu – Nyabibwe, South
Kivu – Idjwi, Maniema – Kalima and Kailo, Maniema – Lubutu, North
Katanga – Kisengo and Sango Mutosha
What is in close
proximity to mining
activity
Great Lakes is in close proximity to mining activity
How is it mined
The nature of mining is informal and opaque where miners extract the
rudimentary tools along with manpower under dire conditions. Middlemen
buy them by negotiating the price which are then transferred to main
trading hubs located in the vicinity of the eastern border (Matthysen &
Montejano, 2013).
Desired mineral
resource(s), if given
Brief
description/summary
of social and
environmental effects
of mining in this area
Limited capacity due to corruption and lack of ability of the state
government to have proper control over the area and proper utilization of
resources. Rise of armed militants and informality are some of the other
issues (Matthysen & Montejano, 2013).
Brief description of
some risks associated
with artisanal mining
in this area
Risks include the importance of local ownership, political will,
formalisation, non-availability of information in the field of work, and the
lack of capacity that is required for proper implementation of initiative.
Conflict minerals from conflict affected areas because of the presence of
armed conflict, and violence along with threats to human life.
[enter your name] [enter student number]

LIBS1135 – Case Study 2 3
PART B: Answer the follow-up questions. In 500 words
a. What are the average ages of the mine workers in this area? How much do they make?
How much do they make relative to other Congolese workers in the area?
They are mostly 15 years of age or a bit older when they start working in mines where
they earn an amount as meagre as 700$ per annum (Matthysen & Montejano, 2013).
b. Why are so many people flocking to the area near the Kahuzi-Biega national park and
what are three specific consequences of this migration?
The migration is taking place as reported by the local authority since there has
been conflicts around having control over the area whereas the FARDC soldiers
along with police have been causing harassment to the miners. They have also
been extorting money along with minerals. Instances of illegal tax imposition and
being forced into manual labors are also very common.
c. The DRC is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. Has this made the DRC a
very wealthy country? What are some of the reasons for your answer?
Ever since the presidential suspension of any artisanal mining, the local socio-economic
condition has deteriorated to a large extend. At present miners are found to spend their income
easily and readily available activities for recreational needs. The mismanagement and the lack of
organisation in the area has been affecting the economic benefits that DRC could have enjoyed
for the abundance of the natural resources (Matthysen & Montejano, 2013).
[enter your name] [enter student number]

LIBS1135 – Case Study 2 4
Reference
Matthysen, K., Montejano, A. Z., & International Peace Information Service (Antwerp). (2013). 'Conflict
Minerals' initiatives in DR Congo: Perceptions of local mining communities. Antwerp: International Peace
Information Service.
[enter your name] [enter student number]