The Central African Republic, a former French colony, has an abundance of natural wealth in gold, diamonds, uranium deposits and crude oil. Inspite this the country has been mired in poverty, corruption and political instability since it gained independence from France in 1960.
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A prospector shows gold his gold find. Mining contributed 2.8 per cent of the Central African Republic’s gross national product in 2011. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
A mother and her child pan for gold and diamonds. The production of diamonds, gold and other minerals in Central African Republic are done entirely by artisanal miners. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
A Muslim girl, who is protected by local Christians, sits outside a house in Gaga. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
Gold nuggets are seen in a prospector’s basin. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
Prospectors pan for gold and diamonds near the town of Gaga. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
Prospectors search for gold and diamonds near the town of Gaga April 6, 2014. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
Prospectors pan for gold and diamonds. The Central African Republic is a leading producer of diamonds. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
A boy takes a break as he searches for gold and diamonds. Mining contributed 2.8 per cent of the Central African Republic’s gross national product in 2011. Goran Tomasevic / Reuters -
Prospectors pan for gold and diamonds. While the Central African Republic is the 14th largest producers of diamonds worldwide, in 2010 artisanal miners officially produced only 60 kilos of gold . Goran Tomasevic / Reuters
In pictures: Mining in time of conflict
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