LCA of an Ecolabeled Notebook - GreenDeltaTC

Subcategory Indicator Status
Prevention and
mitigation of
conflicts
Technology
development
Presence of conflicts in the
country
Risk of conflicts with regard
to the sector and measures
to reduce the risk
Sector efforts in technology
development regarding ecofriendliness
Investments in technology
development
381 www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cg.html
382 ibidem
383 Global Witness (2009)
384 ibidem
Annex
tion. In 2002, the economy recovered slowly.
The mining sector was the main driver for the
economic development and boosted the GDP
growth from 2006 to 2008. Falling world market
prices affected the mining sector severely in
2009 and thus also the Congolese economy.
Main export commodities are diamonds, gold,
copper, cobalt, wood products, crude oil, and
coffee. Main export partners are China and
Belgium. 381
The GDP in 2009 was estimated to be 21.33
billion USD. The real growth rate in the same
year amounted 2.7%. The inflation rate was
estimated to be 16.7%. 382
Although the mining sector dominates the DRC´s
economy, the contribution to the development
of the country is limited due to corruption and
low wages.
There are armed conflicts in eastern Congo since
1996. In 1998 began “Africa’s World War”,
which involved 8 African countries, including the
DRC.
The causes for the fighting are multifaceted.
Among political, ethnic, and territorial reasons,
also the mineral deposits play a key role. 383 The
conflicts centre on the region Kivu and North
Katanga.
The conflicts are financed by profits from the
mining sector. Several armed groups exploit the
mines in the country. 384 Foreign mining companies
do not take active part in supporting the
war.
There is also a high risk of conflicts regarding the
general working conditions and the massive
environmental pollution. There are hardly actions
of the mining sector to reduce the risk of
conflicts.
There are rather no efforts in technology development
in the DRC.
No information available. Probably the investments
are very low.
193