Mining and Environmental Protection

The Democratic Republic of the Congo in general, and the province of North Kivu in particular, abound in mining and ecological potential. The province is unique in that its subsoil harbors rare minerals that are the envy of modern industry. Previous prospecting has facilitated the artisanal mining of Coltan (Colombo-Tantalite), pyrochlore, wolframite, tourmaline and gold in the Masisi, Rutshuru, Lubero and Beni territories, as well as the industrial extraction of cassiterite (tin) in the Walikale territory.Situated in a region with a paradisiacal climate, these minerals are often exploited by a number of players, sometimes controlled by the state, sometimes uncontrolled. The environment is sacrificed, and its permanent peril causes many consequences, such as landslides, erosion, floods, storms, extreme temperatures and drought. This article aims to provide solutions to the problem of prioritization of mining and/or environmental needs by the Congolese government, operators and local communities.