This presentation provides an overview of the environmental issues which arise from the artisanal mining of stanniferous metals in the Kivus, in DR Congo.This presentation was given by Estelle Levin at the Finnwatch seminar on the makeITfair campaign in Helsinki on 21st January 2008.
9. DEFORESTATION
Timber extraction to
Build camps
Reinforce mine shafts
Make mining tools
Get firewood for warmth and
cooking in camps
Forest clearance to expose gravel /
rock for mining
De-barking trees to make pans for
concentrating the minerals Panning cassiterite in DRC
www.congopanorama.info/news/echos-Aout2007.shtml
Cutting lianas to make carrying baskets for transporting the mineral
Lack of reclamation leaves behind a damaged, unstable landscape of holes and
pits
Based on Redmond, I. 2001. Coltan Boom, Gorilla Bust. The Impact of Coltan Mining on Gorillas and other
Wildlife in Eastern DR Congo, May 2001. DFGFE and Born Free Foundation