ARTISANAL MINING OF CASSITERITE DEPOSITS AND ITS IMPACT

Mining has a long history throughout the world. It dates back to time immemorial. The treasures of empires were made up of gold ingots and other precious metals. In today's modern world, the challenges of sustainable development oblige governments to reconcile economic, ecological and social considerations, in the best interests of ecosystems and communities living alongside mining resources. In an international context marked by strong demand for various minerals, notably: gold, aluminum, cassiterite, diamonds, cobalt, iron, wolframite, Coltan, etc., and with supply struggling to meet demand, due to political instability in certain producing countries (South Africa, DRC, India, CAR, etc.), we are witnessing a spectacular rise in prices T. MESMIN, (2015).The town of Kailo, one of the mining towns in Maniema province, still has deposits that are currently mined on an artisanal basis. Mining is the main activity of the local population. This exploitation is causing enormous damage to the environment.