The Social and Economic Impact of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining on the Democratic Republic of Congo Economy: Case Study of Asgm Cooperatives in Ituri Province (2014–2024)

Abstract

This research thesis targeted to give a unique and significant evidence of the social and economic contributions concerning the impact of ASGM cooperatives business in Ituri province/ DRC on the Country development and economic growth. Specifically, four objectives were addressed in a series of questions that investigated: (i) the nature and processes of the Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) cooperative activities in Ituri Province/DRC; (ii) the ASGM cooperatives impacts on the socio-economic transformation both in terms of contributions and shortcomings ; (iii) the challenges encountered by ASGM cooperatives in contributing to their artisanal gold mining activities; (iv) the opportunities and possible alternatives to enhance and make more sustainable the ASGM cooperatives to boost the socio-economic progress. Semi structured questionnaires, interviews, observation and photography were employed to address the set objectives. In the rendez-vous, were quantitative and qualitative data analysis engaged via statistical package for social scientists and microsoft excel whereas inferential data analysis on IV & DV was done first via Pearson correlation to test the correlation level and secondly through Anova regression to measure their significance. Research results confirmed ASGM cooperatives activities as driver of the economic growth through creation of employments, tax payment, its effect on living standard and income, contributions to build the province through housing sector, trade and investment plus supplementary initiatives to shape the trade and investment in the region. In addition to the social development aspect, ASGM cooperatives hands were seen in contributing to rehabilitate a number of roads, schools and bridges infrastructures including contributions to develop sports and charities. A number of side effects of ASGM cooperatives activities were recorded vis-à-vis environmental concerns on fauna, flora and human health in the region. Following numerous challenges facing the ASGM sector in Ituri, the research advocated for the security and peace to be restored in Ituri especially around the mining sites, modern gold refinery to add value to the minerals for more economic benefits, trainings, tax alleviation and subsidies to ASGM sector and plan for after gold mining activities intended for both communities living around gold mining sites and gold dealers.