The "resource curse" is a term that was coined to describe the problems that inevitably occur in developing countries with significant resource wealth. Little academic attention has been given to the legal issues which may permit an American resource investor to safely make an investment in a developing country. The article addresses the spectrum of legal issues that have arisen in one particular "conflict zone" and how the investor may structure their investment to maximize their real return whilst avoiding the legal hazards of investing in a conflict zone.