Different faces of access control in a Congolese gold mine. Issue 2 (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Geenen, Sara; Claessens, Klara
• Is Part Of: Third world thematics. Volume 1:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 249
• Page End: 266
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: Gold mining -- conflict minerals -- conflict -- access control -- Democratic Republic of Congo; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23802014.2016.1180544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-9978

Abstract

Abstract: Mukungwe is a gold mine in eastern DRC, where mineral resources are commonly labelled 'conflict minerals'. Although Mukungwe's history has been characterised by conflict, we do not analyse the conflict here as a mere example of a mineral resource conflict. This article offers a more contextual understanding, starting from a detailed ethnographic and historical account and inspired by the literature on access control. In this sense, violence is understood as but one of the mechanisms of access control. Based on ethnographic and archival research, this article offers insights into the narratives and practices of the conflict's key players.