Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the changing role of local elites in accessing and controlling mining rents and labour, drawing on empirical research from multiple Congolese mining sites and across different time periods.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the changing role of local elites in accessing and controlling mining rents and labour. Empirical research in different countries has highlighted the crucial role of local elites as mediators, owners or rent-seekers. But attempts to compare across cases or across different time periods have been limited. Nevertheless, such a perspective helps to shed light on disruptions as well as continuities in power relations, which is very important for our understanding of mining sector development, including reforms and investments.

In this contribution we develop a typology of local elites' role in different production modes that have historically occurred in the DRC, like in other African countries. Theoretically we draw on access theory as developed by Ribot and Peluso (2003) and Peluso and Lund (2011), which leads to a focus on two main questions: how do local elites benefit from mining activities, and how/through which mechanisms do they control labour? The analysis is informed by empirical data collected in Congo's South Kivu, Maniema and Katanga provinces during field research both authors have periodically carried out between 2008 and 2015. Data include numerous qualitative interviews and documents such as letters, statements and legal documents. We also rely on historical data, which are mainly collected from secondary sources.