Gold Mining Dominates Artisanal Mineral Extraction in Eastern DRC

A recent survey by the International Peace Information Service (IPIS) has revealed that gold mining is currently the most significant subsector in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) artisanal mining business. The data highlights a stark contrast between the booming gold sector and the relatively smaller production and trade areas for coltan, cassiterite, and wolfram.

Market Availability

According to IPIS’ findings, out of 148 markets for minerals visited by their teams in 2013/14, gold was available in 136 markets. In contrast, coltan was only available in a few major production and trade areas, including: * Rubaya in Masisi territory (North Kivu) * Shabunda (South Kivu)

Similarly, cassiterite and wolfram were primarily extracted and traded in specific regions.

Artisanal Worker Numbers

The survey also provides a snapshot of artisanal worker numbers at mines surveyed in 2013/14. The data shows that: * Around 32,000 workers were engaged in cassiterite extraction * Approximately 7,000 workers worked in coltan * 1,350 workers worked in wolframite ores

However, it’s estimated that four out of five artisanal miners in the eastern provinces currently work in the gold sector.

Largest Mine in Eastern DRC

The largest mine in Eastern DRC in terms of worker numbers was the gold mine of Musigha in North Kivu, with nearly 16,500 miners. This is a significant increase from 2009/10, when only two 3T sites surveyed showed worker numbers higher than 1,000. The high numbers indicate absorption of 3T workers by the artisanal gold sector since late 2010.

Trends and Challenges

While it’s challenging to provide a clear picture of the evolution of artisanal worker numbers for each mineral throughout Eastern DRC due to changes in security, production, and market prices, some general trends are observable. Of 100 surveyed sites revisited between 2009/10 and 2013/14, there appears to have been an overall increase in worker numbers at those sites. However, the increase in worker numbers at gold mining sites was significantly higher than those at 3T mines.

The data highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by artisanal miners in Eastern DRC, particularly in regards to: * Security * Livelihoods * Environmental concerns

The IPIS survey underscores the need for sustainable and responsible mining practices that prioritize the rights and well-being of local communities.