Fungurume, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Living in Fungurume is not for the faint of heart. This mining town of 50,100 people has become a vital source of income for the country, but it comes with a heavy price tag. The Tenke Fungurume Mining operation has paid over $2.5 billion in taxes and royalties since 2006, and employs over 8,000 Congolese citizens. However, the mine has also attracted illegal cobalt scavengers, leading the company to bring in the military to patrol the site. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the mine's profitability has recently come into dispute. For those seeking a high-paying job in the extractive industry, Fungurume may be worth considering, but most would be better off looking elsewhere.