Building Demand for Responsibly-Sourced Gold from Eastern Congo

Many communities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) rely on artisanal and small-scale mining as a primary livelihood. While a significant drive of DRC’s economy, it tends to be an informal and risky business that has also been used to fuel conflict.

As a key source of income for armed groups and criminal networks, more than 95 percent of DRC’s artisanal gold is smuggled into neighboring countries. However, when done right, artisanal and small-scale mining can bring direct benefits to communities.

Global Communities has been working in DRC since 2018 to implement the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Zahabu Safi (Clean Gold) Project, a five-year initiative designed to establish a responsibly-sourced artisanal gold supply chain that originates from eastern DRC. Project partners include Levin Sources, RCS Global Upstream Ltd. and Better Chain.

Hear from Nikki Duncan, Chief of Party for USAID’s Zahabu Safi (Clean Gold) Project, as she discusses how Global Communities and our partners are investing in local capacity and addressing the need for greater inclusion, equity and sustainability in DRC’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector.

We are proud to be working collaboratively with artisanal miners, cooperatives, traders, responsible gold exporters, Congolese authorities and other stakeholders to create the right conditions for a commercially-viable artisanal gold supply chain that does not contribute to conflict, respects human rights and supports inclusive economic growth.

To learn more and gain a closer look at USAID’s Zahabu Safu (Clean Gold) Project, check out these success stories:

• Local Solution to Improved Transparency in Responsible Minerals Trade in Congo’s Ituri Province
• USAID’s Zahabu Safi (Clean Gold) Project Facilitates Landmark Agreement in Congo’s Ituri Province
• A Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Eastern Congo
• Improving Working Conditions and Security at Artisanal Gold Mine Sites in Eastern Congo

This content is part of Future Forward, a thought leadership and storytelling series on how Global Communities is driving change to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. To learn more, visit globalcommunities.org/futureforward.