![]() ![]() Armed groups also benefit by imposing taxes in mining sites and at roadblocks. The Congolese armed forces also substantially enrich themselves by protecting this mining, which is forbidden in most conservation areas. Officials from the agency responsible for regulating artisanal and small-scale mining (SAEMAPE), and the provincial ministry of mines often tax mining activities in protected areas. How extractive industries manage to carry on harming the planet They are also under pressure to do so from their hierarchy, which expects a share of the income. ![]() Most of these workers make money on the side and extract revenue from citizens through various forms of taxation, protection fees and extortion. In the DRC, the official salaries of state workers are low or remain unpaid. Mining revenue also tops up the meagre wages of numerous administrators, soldiers and other state officials. ![]() For many families, mining is one of the few opportunities for social mobility. Mining is rampant in protected areas because it generates incomes for citizens, officials and armed actors.Įntry barriers are low, and miners’ earnings are higher than those of comparable groups in the population. In a militarised environment, these conflicts can spark violence. Our study set out to grasp these linkages, which is crucial for designing effective measures to safeguard protected areas.īased on research in the Okapi and Itombwe reserves, we found that mining sparks conflict between different branches of the state, between entrepreneurs and local populations, and between artisanal and semi-industrial miners. It’s also at the heart of the complex linkages between mining, armed conflict and conservation in eastern DRC. The economic importance of mining makes it difficult to stop extraction in protected areas. Thousands of people also depend on such mining for their livelihoods. This destructive mining in conservation areas often happens under the protection of state and non-state armed actors, who take a portion of the revenues. ![]() This leads to further natural resource exploitation, such as fuel and construction wood extraction, bushmeat hunting and shifting agriculture. More indirect effects stem from the construction of new roads to make mining sites accessible, and population growth in the vicinity of mines. Direct impacts include deforestation, soil degradation and water pollution. Both forms of mining have negative impacts on biodiversity conservation. ![]()
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