Conflict Minerals, Inc.: War, Profit and White Saviourism in Eastern Congo

The relationship between violent conflict and natural resources has gained attention due to conflict minerals, which are mined in war zones and used in high-end technology. Conflict Minerals, Inc. is the first comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon, examining why the campaign against unethical mining went awry and its impact on eastern Congo's political economy. It highlights the reliance on colonial frames and White Saviourism in Western advocacy and policy, perpetuating structural violence and inequality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The intricate interplay between violent conflict and natural resources has emerged as a central topic of public and academic discourse in the twenty-first century. Driven by fervent activism and international campaigns, the spotlight has fallen on the issue of conflict minerals, a term that encompasses artisanal tin, tantalum (coltan), tungsten, and gold originating from war-torn regions in Central Africa. These digital minerals, due to their crucial role in high-end technology, have been identified as a primary catalyst for violence, leading to widespread media coverage and United Nations reports. This has sparked an unprecedented public outcry and prompted transnational initiatives aimed at promoting conflict-free and ethical mining practices.

In exploring this phenomenon, Conflict Minerals, Inc. stands as the first comprehensive analysis of its kind. Drawing upon meticulous investigation and extensive fieldwork, this book delves into the complexities behind the campaign against unethical mining in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It examines why the efforts to combat this issue faltered, leading to a profound disruption of the country's political economy. The book also dissects the evolution of the conflict minerals paradigm, the policy responses it triggered, and their profound impact on artisanal miners. Through insightful analysis, Vogel highlights how Western advocacy and policy have often relied on colonial frames to drive change, perpetuating structural violence and inequality across global supply and value chains.

This book serves as a crucial contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between conflict, natural resources, and social justice. It sheds light on the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals, communities, and governments in the pursuit of economic development and the need for sustainable practices that prioritize human rights and environmental sustainability. By examining the case of conflict minerals, Conflict Minerals, Inc. provides valuable insights into the broader challenges facing resource-rich regions and the urgent need for international cooperation and policy reform.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787387065