Burundi

Burundi is a country in East Africa that has a long history of mining dating back to the pre-colonial era. The country is known for its deposits of minerals such as tin, tungsten, coltan, and gold. Tin was one of the most widely mined minerals in Burundi, with its deposits being located in the western part of the country. The mineral was mined by local communities who used rudimentary tools in their mining operations.

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During the colonial era, mining in Burundi was restructured to cater to European interests. Mining activities were intensified, with companies such as the Société Minière de l'Ouest africain (SMOA) being established to oversee the operations. The mining activities were controlled by the colonial authorities, who took a significant share of the profits generated from the mineral exports. Mining in Burundi declined after the country gained independence in 1962, due to various factors including political instability and a decline in mineral prices. However, in recent years, the Burundian government has been working to revive the mining sector in the country, and has been encouraging foreign investment in the sector.