[4] The town of Kampene was founded in the colonial era to support gold, cassiterite and coltan mining operations.

A study of artisanal gold mines around Kampene was conducted in July / August 2014 as part of this process.

[6] Issues included illegal taxation by the security forces and by administrative and local authorities, bribes to conceal or underestimate production, and the presence of armed groups.

It the industry can be more open in tracing movement of gold and reporting transactions, there may be progress towards safer working conditions and reduced damage to the environment.

[9] In October 2019 an illegal gold mine in Kampene collapsed, killing at least 21 people.