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Periodical article |
| Title: | Forminiere in the Kasai, 1906-1939 |
| Author: | Derkson, Richard |
| Year: | 1983 |
| Periodical: | African Economic History |
| Volume: | 12 |
| Pages: | 49-65 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic terms: | Congo (Democratic Republic of) Belgium |
| Subjects: | colonialism mining companies History and Exploration Labor and Employment Economics and Trade |
| External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/3601316 |
| Abstract: | King Leopold II of Belgium set the foundations of long-term exploitation in the Congo with the incorporation of the Union Miniere du Haut-Katanga and the Societe Internationale Forestiere et Miniere, or Forminiere, in 1906. While these two mining companies had certain things in common, there were important differences, in capital structure (the State held over 50% of the stock), mineral deposits (diamonds), geographical location (a well-populated area of the Kasai), labour system (casual rather than contract labour, coupled with a policy of labour stabilisation), and world market structure (participation in a diamond producers' cartel which controlled 90-95% of the world market). The author explores the reasons for the unique features of Forminiere and looks at their consequences for the populations of the Kasai. Notes. |