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. Industrial mining, conversely, did not result in more violence from rebel groups, but did lead to more riots from miners against the companies. 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.