While the relation between mineral price increases and local conflict at artisanal sites, and its relative absence at industrial sites, may add to the arguments of those who seek to replace artisanal by industrial mining, there are other important considerations. Mining for minerals in Africa is linked to a growth in conflict between armed groups, where control of resources finances rebel groups. Notably, the growth of artisanal mining, using manual extraction as opposed to industrial mining, correlated with heightened conflicts in eastern Congo between 2004-2015, according to analysis by Eco-Business. The report also found that mining has been associated with increased levels of violence and conflict. Furthermore, increased industrial mining at the cost of artisanal projects intensified attacks against civilians and looting, suggesting that artisanal miners were forced towards crime for income.
Mining for minerals in Africa is linked to a growth in conflict between armed groups, where control of resources finances rebel groups. Notably, the growth of artisanal mining, using manual extraction as opposed to industrial mining, correlated with heightened conflicts in eastern Congo between 2004-2015, according to analysis by Eco-Business. The report also found that mining has been associated with increased levels of violence and conflict. Furthermore, increased industrial mining at the cost of artisanal projects intensified attacks against civilians and looting, suggesting that artisanal miners were forced towards crime for income.