1. ISDR-Bukavu
From Paris to Katanga: Conflict mineral policy and the reform of artisanal mining governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Jose Diemel. Ph.D Candidate Wageningen University, Special Chair Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction
Research question
How has the negotiation of conflict-mineral policy at the local level affected artisanal mining governance in Katanga?
Methodology
Multi-sited ethnography, following 3T-mineral supply chain throughout Katanga
Observation and 200 interviews in mineral depots, mine sites in Bukama Territory, and administrative offices in Kalemie, Lubumbashi.
17 months of fieldwork
1. Objective of conflict-mineral policy = stop conflict by improving artisanal mining governance through:
A redefinition of mineral supply chains
Increased Congolese state control over ASM sector
Shared public-private responsibility for a clearer supply chain
2. Negotiation of these policies  local state mining authorities now play a more present role in artisanal mining governance
3. However, extended local state presence ≠increased state control
4. Instead, extended presence of local state mining authorities has caused 
Mining communities being confronted with informal mining taxes and extortion practices by under-paid state officials;
A complexification of mining governance;
An unequal distribution of fiscal responsibilities and revenues between local and central state services;
A redefinition of access to mineral exploitation and trade;
Contestation over public authority between local, provincial and central mining services.
Above: A Saesscam agent tagging a mineral bag (Kyenze mine camp, February 2015)
Left: Office of the Administrateur de Territoire (Bukama city, September 2014)
This research was funded by the WOTRO Science for Global Development programme of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research.