The program works to break the link between conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and minerals trade, in coordination with other U.S. government agencies, the Congolese government, donors, the private sector, and civil society. We are scaling-up exports and sales of conflict-free, artisanal gold from eastern DRC by developing market linkages between end-users and artisanal and small scale mining cooperatives to benefit economically disadvantaged communities, encourage legitimate international mineral trade, and reduce conflict. We are also refitting and improving current methods of mine site validation to ensure long-term, verifiable and transparent conflict-free supply chains from DRC. USAID is part of the multi-sector Public Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade to encourage responsible sourcing from the region by end-users and other supply chain actors.