ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism Implementation
IMPACT supports the implementation of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Regional Certification Mechanism and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance. We provide technical support and training so that ICGLR Member States can effectively meet international and regional standards and ensure their minerals are conflict-free.
This project is part of our collaboration and support to the ICGLR as part of its efforts to end the illicit trade of natural resources.
The Regional Certification Mechanism is one of six tools approved by the ICGLR’s 12 Heads of State and is part of the Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources (RINR). It is a compulsory regional standard for certification of the 3Ts (tin, tantalum, tungsten) and gold sourced from or transiting across an ICGLR Member State.
The Regional Certification Mechanism is fully compliant with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, which is an internationally recognized voluntary set of guidelines applicable to the private sector.
Our project provides technical guidance and training to the ICGLR Secretariat, Members States, private sector actors, and local civil society. We support them to understand the requirements of the Regional Certification Mechanism and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and then implement and monitor those requirements.
As part of the project we hold sensitization workshops, as well as field-level trainings on mine site inspections, data management, and export procedures.
Technical guidance is currently provided to seven ICGLR Member States: Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia, which are all in different stages of implementation. Part of our assistance includes supporting Member States as they develop a workplan for the implementation of the Regional Certification Mechanism, as well as national legislation to adopt the Mechanism into domestic legal frameworks.
Funding
Funding for this project is provided by Global Affairs Canada and began in 2015.
With Government of Canada funding, we have previously supported the ICGLR as they developed and began implementing the Regional Certification Mechanism. We also drafted a detailed Certification Manual, in coordination with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, which is now used across the Great Lakes region to implement the Regional Certification Mechanism.
In addition, we have supported the drafting of domestic legislation related to the Regional Certification Mechanism and have provided sensitization and training to mine site inspectors across Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Recent Highlights
Contraband Gold in the Great Lakes Region: In-region Cross-border Gold Flows Versus Out-region Smuggling
May 2015
This report analyzes the artisanal gold flows within and out of the Great Lakes Region with the perspective of promoting responsible supply chain management in the context of the ICGLR Regional Initiative on Natural Resources and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
All That Glitters is Not Gold: Dubai, Congo, and the Illicit Trade of Conflict Minerals
May 2014
This report is a contribution to a growing body of research that seeks to better understand the illicit trade of gold and diamonds emanating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the role industry and state actors play - primarily in neighbouring countries and the United Arab Emirates - in facilitating this illegality.
Taming the Resource Curse: Implementing the ICGLR Certification Mechanism for Conflict-prone Minerals
May 2011
This report prepared by PAC for the ICGLR and released in March 2011, describes the regional certification mechanism (RCM) for tracking high value and conflict prone minerals in Africa’s Great Lakes region. Based on lessons learned from other certification mechanisms, particularly the Kimberley Process, it promotes key principles that will make for a stronger and more effective regulatory scheme for four minerals—namely gold, coltan, tungsten and tin.
Jeweller Completes First Export of Responsible & Conflict-Free Artisanal Gold from Eastern Congo to Canada
First Responsible and Conflict-Free Artisanal Gold Supply Chain Operational in Eastern Congo
US Suspension of Conflict Minerals Rule Threatens Progress towards Conflict-Free Supply Chains
Workshop in Ituri Aims to Strengthen Certification Efforts for Conflict Minerals
First Congolese Gold Exporter Takes Decisive Action to Carry out Due Diligence: Opens its Doors to International Markets
PAC and the ICGLR sign a Memorandum of Understanding
Partnership Africa Canada Welcomes First ICGLR-Certified Conflict-Free Mineral Certificates from Rwanda