UK-based firm targets first gold exports from eastern DR Congo despite conflict disruptions
A UK-based social enterprise is pushing ahead with plans to export gold from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to formalise artisanal mining and curb conflict-linked trade despite persistent insecurity in the region.
Black News 
A UK-based social enterprise is pushing ahead with plans to export gold from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to formalise artisanal mining and curb conflict-linked trade despite persistent insecurity in the region.
- A UK-based social enterprise, PeaceGold is set to export gold from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to formalise artisanal mining.
- The initiative partners with a local conflict resolution group and targets its first exports by September despite ongoing regional insecurity.
- Founder Greg Valerio emphasizes creating a transparent supply chain to benefit local communities and reduce illicit trade.
- The project works with mining cooperatives and integrates former combatants, aiming to reduce conflict and boost local economic value.
The initiative, PeaceGold was launched in 2013 in partnership with a local conflict resolution group, is targeting its first shipments by September, even after fighting last year disrupted mining activities across parts of eastern Congo.
PeaceGold founder, Greg Valerio told Reuters the project is designed to bring informal miners into a regulated system while offering alternative livelihoods to former combatants.
“We’re trying to create a transparent and traceable supply chain that benefits local communities,” Valerio said, highlighting the long-term goal of reducing the role of illicit networks in the gold trade.
Eastern Congo remains one of the world’s most resource-rich yet volatile mining regions, where artisanal gold production is often linked to armed groups and smuggling routes.
Much of the gold produced in the region bypasses official channels, depriving the state of revenue and fuelling instability.
“Formalising artisanal mining to reduce conflict and boost local value”
The project works with multiple mining cooperatives and aims to scale production gradually, with plans to reach consistent monthly exports over time.
By formalising operations, PeaceGold seeks to ensure that a larger share of the gold’s value remains within Congo rather than being lost through illicit trade.
Beyond economic gains, the effort is also framed as a peacebuilding tool. By integrating former fighters into structured mining activities, the programme hopes to reduce incentives for violence and strengthen local governance.
While the final export destinations have not yet been disclosed, the project is expected to target formal international markets that prioritise traceable and ethically sourced gold.
If successful, the initiative could provide a model for how resource-rich but conflict-affected regions can harness mineral wealth for development while addressing long-standing governance and security challenges.
