Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo have resulted in millions of Congolese lives lost, while benefiting the trade of small arms and valuable minerals like coltan.
Mining in the DRC
Published September 1, 2006
Mining has played a big role in the tragedy of the DRC. Because of the demand for minerals like coltan and tin, (cassiterites) multinationals have armed groups, foreign and national, who have become killers in order to take control of mines. Farmers are abandoning their traditions in order to become miners who, for a meager pay, are causing ecological damage, polluting the water sources, and creating a shortage of food for millions of people. Gold, diamonds and cobalt are also mined in the eastern parts of the country and experts say that once the country is stabilized, more mining and timber companies will come in and exacerbate the damage to society.
Produced by the Pulitzer Center, "Congo's Bloody Coltan" is a glimpse at coltan's role in the Democratic Republic of Congo's ongoing civil war.
Footage from Mvemba Phezo Dizolele's reporting project, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where air on Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday, October 19.
Gateways
Grantee
Carlos Villalon is a photojournalist based mostly in Colombia, South America since 2000. He spent ten years in New York, USA, where he still lives, studying photography and doing independent work....
