Tens of thousands of people in the DRC depend on artisanal mining, many operating in regions where conflict is not present.

FORBES: How Enough Project and Global Witness Make Life Harder In Congo

Illegal artisanal mining is already impacting several of the sites and the attribution of new oil and mining concessions could threaten their World Heritage status.

UNESCO: SERVICE DE PRESSE

There is no gemstone mining company in the whole country and artisanal miners sell their crude stones to the highest bidder with absolutely no government intervention.

ECONOMIST: Heated debate