VOICED : DR Congo struggles to control minerals

The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in natural resources like copper, cobalt, and coltan, but mining these resources is hazardous. Accidents are common, and transparency is lacking. Coltan, crucial for electronics, is mined in North Kivu, but its trade is often uncontrolled, leading to fraud. Efforts to centralize and regulate the trade are ongoing, but challenges remain due to the complex socio-political landscape.

What are some of the natural resources found in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

• Iron, silver, and platinum

• Copper, cobalt, and coltan

• Nickel, aluminum, and titanium

• Tin, lead, and zinc

Why is coltan mining significant in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

• It is used exclusively for jewelry

• It is used in the production of mobile phones and laptops

• It is a renewable resource

• It is the only mineral found in the region

What is a major challenge in controlling the trade of coltan in the DRC?

• Abundance of trading centers

• Lack of state control over exports

• High taxation on minerals

• Excessive government regulation

What initiative suspended the DRC due to the murky situation in the mineral trade?

• World Trade Organization

• Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

• United Nations Development Programme

• International Monetary Fund

What is a significant challenge in regulating the mineral trade in the DRC?

• Fraud and lack of control

• Lack of mineral resources

• Overproduction of minerals

• Excessive international competition