The mountains of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are rich in gold, which for years, along with other precious minerals, has been smuggled into neighbouring countries. Experts say the illicit trade has long fuelled the dozens of armed groups that have plagued the region for decades. Last January, the Congolese government and the United Arab Emirates launched a joint venture, "Primera Gold", which buys gold dug by artisanal miners in South Kivu province and sells it legally and openly. “Primera is simply the armed arm of the Congolese state to ensure that efforts are made to bring gold into the official circuit," says deputy general manager of Primera Gold, Benjamin Bisimwa. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES