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Traceability Procedures Manual for Tradable Mining Products

Last updated: 30 January 2025

Issued in 2014 and updated in 2024, the Traceability Procedures Manual for Tradable Mining Products establishes comprehensive procedures for tracking designated minerals from extraction to export in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, defining requirements for operators in the mineral supply chain to ensure transparency and prevent conflict minerals trade.

The DRC mining sector faces ongoing challenges with illegal exploitation and conflict minerals. In 2024, the Ministry of Mines updated the Regional Certification Mechanism (MRC) implementation framework to align with modifications adopted by CIRGL member states in 2019. It reinforces principles from the OECD Due Diligence Guidelines for responsible mineral supply chains and appoints the Center for Expertise, Evaluation and Certification of Precious and Semi-Precious Mineral Substances (CEEC) as the focal point for certification.

The order establishes mechanisms for:

  • Site validation and qualification procedures through joint inspection teams
  • Chain of custody documentation from validated mine sites to export
  • Four-tier classification system for exporters (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red status)
  • Sample collection and reference specimen requirements
  • CIRGL export certification process through the CEEC as focal point
  • National database capturing site status, mineral flows, and certificates issued
  • Multi-stakeholder oversight committee for monitoring implementation
  • Procedures for dealing with non-compliance and illegal shipments

The certification system aims to:

  • Enable tracking of minerals from validated sites
  • Standardise documentation and procedures across the supply chain
  • Create transparent data on production and trade flows
  • Facilitate legitimate exports while preventing illegal exploitation
  • Support regional cooperation in mineral certification
  • Strengthen governance and reduce fraud in the sector

The manual serves as the key reference for mining operators, government agencies and international partners in implementing mineral traceability and certification requirements in the DRC.

Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more (French)

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