Artisanal cobalt mining communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: resilience against cannibal capitalism

This paper examines how artisanal cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo exploits workers, harms communities, weakens democratic institutions, and damages the environment. Using Nancy Fraser's concept of "cannibal capitalism" and an analysis of documentary evidence, it shows how capitalist extraction profits from both human labor and natural resources. The study contributes new insights into debates on responsible mineral sourcing and argues for policies and legal frameworks that promote fair resource governance, human rights, and social justice. By highlighting community experiences of both exploitation and resistance, it emphasizes the importance of community-led approaches to achieving more equitable and sustainable development in the DRC.