The RMT Study Tour arrived at the Muhinga site near Nzibira village in the Walungu territory of South Kivu, and shortly after we started our "20 minute walk" I took this photo of the cassiterite mines we would see. The three scraped out gray patches are the mine sites.
We were very lucky - the trip took place during the rainy season, so there was little dust on the roads, and we did not have to drive through driving rains or slip around on sticky mud either walking or driving.
We were very lucky - the trip took place during the rainy season, so there was little dust on the roads, and we did not have to drive through driving rains or slip around on sticky mud either walking or driving.
Many thanks to the colleagues that walked with me, paused with me, carried my pack, and shared food to ensure that light-headed Ms. Wobbly-Legs got back to the car. You know who you are, and there are several of you who helped. I'm still grateful!
World Mining Company, Comptoir (treatment facility), Bukavu
The World Mining Company was the first exporter of conflict-free tin from South Kivu. "Conflict free" meaning that there is a validated process that establishes a chain of custody for the mineral from the mine to the end user.
Note 1: The tiny hut at center bottom is where the cassiterite ore is bagged, tagged, and recorded in the initial steps of a traceability system to ensure that cassiterite is not a source of funds for armed groups.
Note 2: Richard Robinson explains details of the traceability system to Paula Lynch from the Department of State, part of the inter-agency team deployed to monitor progress in projects supported by the USG to assist in the establishment of Responsible Minerals Trade in order to prevent 3TG from becoming fuel for armed groups to continue.
Note 2: Richard Robinson explains details of the traceability system to Paula Lynch from the Department of State, part of the inter-agency team deployed to monitor progress in projects supported by the USG to assist in the establishment of Responsible Minerals Trade in order to prevent 3TG from becoming fuel for armed groups to continue.
Conclusions
The traceability system for cassiterite (tin) has qualities that may also be applicable for secure supply systems required for other minerals/ores among the 3TG (tin, tungsten, tantalite, gold) group. Such systems must be replicated and verified regularly in order to become the norm for mining in the DRC.
Security at mine sites and along transport routes is more tenuous for artisanal miners - those working with simple tools alone or in cooperatives - than for larger industrial mine sites. The USG has supported training of mine police, and MONUSCO has worked to guarantee security in the provinces so that the mining sector can flourish in peace.
Governance at the national level and in the provinces is crucial for the successful establishment of the mining sector, and for mining to bring the maximum possible development and prosperity to a population that has suffered two decades of armed conflict that included some horrific brutalities for which there may never be accountability. The roots of the conflict are not in minerals; in order to prevent future conflict and provide the best environment for economic growth, the local and national governments must play their roles: providing public security, infrastructure, and other basic government services. The opportunity is there, owing to the incredible mineral wealth of the region and the resulting tax base. The challenge to the DRC is to overcome the blockages to accountable, transparent governance at both the local and national levels.
Security at mine sites and along transport routes is more tenuous for artisanal miners - those working with simple tools alone or in cooperatives - than for larger industrial mine sites. The USG has supported training of mine police, and MONUSCO has worked to guarantee security in the provinces so that the mining sector can flourish in peace.
Governance at the national level and in the provinces is crucial for the successful establishment of the mining sector, and for mining to bring the maximum possible development and prosperity to a population that has suffered two decades of armed conflict that included some horrific brutalities for which there may never be accountability. The roots of the conflict are not in minerals; in order to prevent future conflict and provide the best environment for economic growth, the local and national governments must play their roles: providing public security, infrastructure, and other basic government services. The opportunity is there, owing to the incredible mineral wealth of the region and the resulting tax base. The challenge to the DRC is to overcome the blockages to accountable, transparent governance at both the local and national levels.