You can't understand the difficulties of working in the DRC....

You can't understand the difficulties of working in the DRC. From minor bribery at the border to casual gov't confiscation of ore bodies/projects after they had been awarded to major companies. All this done with a smile.

A drive to look over a project 50 Km from town risks a hold-up with a few bedragged "soldiers" with a knocked about AK47. The universal payment are cigarettes - as many as they want- or soft-drinks. Never carry a gun unless the army is escort.

One company had been awarded a gold area and the operative - a SA guy - went to inspect the area. It was swarming with locals. The unwritten rule was to let the locals scavanger rites until the company moved in and started to employ the locals.

The operative started to chase the locals out. Things got heated and he got shot - dead. Things are better now :they say.

It's awhile since I was over there. Bill is a man of quiet persistence and is a good operator. It looks like even he has "retired hurt"

I don't blame him!