The complexiTy of resource governance in a conTexT of sTaTe ... - Ipis

The complexity of resource governance in a context of state fragility: An analysis of the mining sector in the Kivu hinterlands
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3.2 Mining sites in Bafwasende and Mambasa
The mining areas in Bafwasende and Mambasa are numerous but small-scale. In contrast to the
first two chapters, it is therefore not possible to single out the most important mining sites.
Mining areas surveyed
The local partners engaged for this research split into two field teams. The first team gathered
information on 34 sites 160 in the southern part of Bafwasende territory, starting with the
administrative capital of Bafwasende and working their way along two main mine axes: one
to the eastern edge of the territory bordering Mambasa, and the other southwards to Maiko
National Park. 161 On both axes they were prevented access further south by the FARDC. The
region is currently a military operational zone, with frequent clashes with the Mayi-Mayi of
Major Luc (see below). A limited amount of information on a number of mining sites inside the
Maiko National Park was available from other sources.
The second team gathered information on over 100 sites 162 in two distinct axes of Mambasa
territory: one on the western edge of the territory, bordering Bafwasende and Wamba territories, 163
and one west and south of Mambasa town 164 . A considerable part of the territory is occupied by
the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Réserve de Faune à Okapis) where mining is prohibited. In 2006,
park wardens successfully cleared most of the gold sites that existed in the reserve at the time,
and systematic mineral exploitation does not seem to have resumed. 165 Only limited information
could be gathered on Bakaiko groupement, south of Okapi Reserve, due to its remoteness (five to
twelve days’ walk) and the FARDC presence. The team was not permitted to visit semi-industrial
sites on the River Ituri.
A large majority of the sites in the areas covered are gold mines. In Mambasa territory, the coltan
and diamond mines identified were currently closed, and only one cassiterite mine was identified.
As it is within the Bakaiko groupement, no credible information could be obtained on its status.
In southern Bafwasende territory, of 23 mines surveyed in the area presently occupied by the
Mayi-Mayi of Major Luc, four contain cassiterite (with two of those mines equally containing
wolframite); three contain gold and wolframite; and six coltan. It was not clear from interviews
if coltan and wolframite are currently extracted. At least two diamond mines, west of Opienge
town, still seem to be active. 166
The mines are illustrated in the accompanying map and are distinguished in clusters of
importance.
Artisanal mining estimates and production
In Bafwasende territory, of the 34 mines included in the field research, 23 are in volatile areas
where FARDC and Mayi-Mayi Kumu (Major Luc) control made any census extremely difficult to
verify. According to records from mine operators in the 23 sites, approximately 5,000 individuals
were estimated to be working in the mines in 2008.
160 The team could not visit all these sites due to military restrictions, but gathered information from local stakeholders in urban centres and
centres de négoce.
161 Covering parts of Bakundumu, Barumbi-Opienge and Bakumu d’Angumu collectivities.
162 The team visited 23 of the sites and collected information on other areas from stakeholders in the urban centres, centres de négoce and
surrounding villages. GPS coordinates of 30 other sites between Teturi and Okapi WildlifeWildlife Reserve (Babila-Babombi collectivity)
were made available by a local NGO from a field visit in March 2010.
163 Parts of Bandaka and Bombo collectivities.
164 Parts of Babila-Babombi, Mambasa and Bakwanza collectivities.
165 Interview, Chief Conservator of the Reserve, Epulu, June 2010. Another source stated that artisanal miners follow the movements of the
wardens and dig for one or two weeks on sites the wardens have already passed.
166 Many more diamond sites exist in Bafwasende territory, which accounts for 25 percent of diamond production in the province (CEEC,
January–May 2010), but most are located in the north, with Bomili one of the most important centres.