The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is also rich in natural resources. One of the official mining sectors has collapsed amid the country’s ongoing conflict, and now both sides are benefitting from the illicit trade of gold and diamonds. Clashes over control of the many mines have also created religious tension in places where there previously had been none.

VICE News traveled to mines located in the heart of the Central African Republic to see how the battle over natural resources is playing out in one of the world’s most violent conflicts.

Watch "The Human Cost of War in the Central African Republic" - http://bit.ly/15xC4L2

Watch "War in the Central African Republic" - http://bit.ly/1Ao5Qdx

Read "UN Peacekeeper Released Hours After Being Kidnapped in the Central African Republic" - http://bit.ly/1Enj8O7

Read "Violence Escalates in Central African Republic as Thousands of Muslims Remain Trapped in the Country" - http://bit.ly/1yrNFpl

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