Grand Theft Congo - DRC

Synopsis

In July 2005, the major problem facing Africa is highlighted through the lens of corruption and resource control in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). At a remote mine in central DRC, workers use torches and pick axes to extract cassiterite, a mineral essential for manufacturing laptops and mobile phones. However, the situation is dire as Congolese Government troops, disguised in plain clothes, force miners to work under the threat of violence. This documentary sheds light on the exploitation of natural resources and the impact of military control on local communities, revealing the harsh realities of mining in a country rich in resources yet plagued by corruption.