New
New
Year 8

The impact of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

I can explain the environmental, social and economic impacts of resource exploitation in the DRC.

New
New
Year 8

The impact of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

I can explain the environmental, social and economic impacts of resource exploitation in the DRC.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Mining and logging have led to deforestation and environmental destruction.
  2. Many workers, including children, face unsafe conditions in mines.
  3. The wealth from natural resources does not benefit most people in the DRC.
  4. Resource exploitation has fueled conflict and corruption.

Keywords

  • Natural resources - things that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs

  • Exploitation - using something or someone for personal benefit

  • Deforestation - the complete removal of trees for any reason

  • Logging - cutting down trees as a product for economic gain

  • Corruption - dishonest behaviour by people in a position of power for personal gain

Common misconception

That deforestation and logging are the same thing.

Logging is the use of trees as a natural resource for their wood and can happen legally or illegaly. Deforestation is the cutting down of trees for many reasons, often to make space for other activities such as mining, road building or farming.


To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: The impact of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

In the UK, the minimum age to work is 13. Ask the class if anybody has a job yet, for example they may do a paper round. How do they balance that with their school work, do they find it difficult? Ask those who do not have a job if they would like one, when do they think will start working, why?
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which continent is the DRC located in?

Asia
South America
Correct answer: Africa
Europe

Q2.
Match the term to its correct definition:

Correct Answer:Rainforest,A dense forest with high rainfall and warmth

A dense forest with high rainfall and warmth

Correct Answer:Mining,Digging into the ground for natural resources

Digging into the ground for natural resources

Correct Answer:Carbon sink,Absorbs and stores carbon dioxide

Absorbs and stores carbon dioxide

Q3.
What is an example of a natural resource found in the DRC?

iPads
Correct answer: Gold
Tractors
Plastic

Q4.
Which of the following is true about the Congo rainforest?

It only covers a tiny part of the DRC
Correct answer: It stretches across several countries
It is found only in deserts
It has no wildlife

Q5.
Which major river flows through the DRC?

Amazon
Correct answer: Congo River
Nile
Yangtze

Q6.
What impact has colonial history had on the DRC today?

Strong borders and peace
Stable government since independence
Correct answer: Changes to borders and exploitation of resources
No lasting impact

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What are natural resources?

Products made in factories
Correct answer: Things that come from Earth without human influence
Items found in shops
Anything humans create

Q2.
What does exploitation mean?

Caring for resources
Using something fairly
Correct answer: Using something or someone for personal benefit
Protecting the environment

Q3.
Which of these best describes deforestation?

Planting new trees
Correct answer: The complete removal of trees
Protecting forests
Cutting a few trees carefully

Q4.
Logging is different from because logging usually involves cutting trees for profit, while the other removes trees entirely.

Correct Answer: deforestation