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## About Us

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is an inter-governmental organization of the countries in the African Great Lakes Region. The ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM) was established to promote responsible mineral trade and ensure transparency throughout the supply chain. Our comprehensive framework addresses conflict minerals, protects worker rights, and supports sustainable development across member states.

Through rigorous certification standards and independent auditing processes, we work to eliminate the trade in conflict minerals while promoting ethical mining practices. Our regional database tracks mineral flows from mine site to export, ensuring full traceability and compliance with international due diligence standards. By fostering cooperation among member states and implementing harmonized certification protocols, we create a conducive environment for legitimate mineral trade that benefits communities and protects the region's natural resources.

#### Frequently Asked Questions

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The ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM) is a comprehensive framework designed to certify conflict-free minerals from the Great Lakes Region. It establishes regional standards for responsible mineral production and trade, implements chain of custody tracking systems, and conducts independent audits to ensure compliance with ethical mining practices and international due diligence standards.

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Mine sites undergo annual inspections by government-appointed inspectors who assess compliance with Appendix 3 standards, including checks for conflict minerals, child labor, and environmental protection. Sites are classified as Certified, Yellow-Flagged (requiring corrective action within 3 months), or Un-Certified. Independent Mineral Chain Auditors provide third-party verification, and all data is stored in the regional ICGLR database for transparency and traceability.

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ICGLR certification provides enhanced market access and premium pricing for certified minerals, improved international reputation, compliance with global due diligence requirements (such as OECD guidelines), risk mitigation in supply chains, and protection of worker rights and community welfare. It also supports sustainable development goals and demonstrates commitment to responsible business practices in the extractive sector.

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The ICGLR comprises 12 member states in the African Great Lakes Region: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. All member states are committed to implementing the Regional Certification Mechanism and harmonizing their mineral certification standards.

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All ICGLR certificates can be verified through our secure online verification portal using the unique certificate number. The system provides real-time access to certification status, mine site information, inspection dates, and compliance history. This transparent verification system ensures buyers can confirm the conflict-free status of minerals and trace their origin back to certified mine sites within the ICGLR database.

### Mission

To promote responsible mineral trade in the Great Lakes Region by establishing and implementing a comprehensive certification framework that ensures transparency, traceability, and compliance with international standards. We are committed to eliminating conflict minerals, protecting worker rights, and fostering sustainable economic development across all member states.

### Vision

To be the leading regional authority for mineral certification in Africa, creating a conflict-free mineral supply chain that benefits communities, protects the environment, and contributes to regional peace and prosperity. We envision a future where ethical mining practices are the standard across the Great Lakes Region.

### Values

Our core values guide every aspect of our work: Integrity in all certification processes, Transparency in mineral tracking and reporting, Accountability for all stakeholders, Collaboration among member states, Sustainability in resource management, and unwavering Commitment to human rights and environmental protection.

## Elements of the system

### Chain of Custody

Comprehensive tracking and documentation of minerals from the point of extraction at mine sites through processing, transportation, and final export. This ensures complete traceability and accountability at every stage of the supply chain.

### Regional Tracking Database

Centralized ICGLR database system that monitors and records mineral flows across the Great Lakes Region, providing real-time visibility into cross-border movements and ensuring regional coordination and transparency.

### Regular Independent Audits

Scheduled third-party audits conducted by certified independent auditors to verify compliance with ICGLR standards, assess supply chain integrity, and ensure adherence to due diligence requirements throughout the mineral certification process.

### Independent Mineral Chain Auditor

An appointed Auditor General who oversees the entire mineral certification scheme, conducting independent assessments of mining operations, exporters, and intermediaries to ensure compliance with regional standards and international best practices.

### One Regional System, One Set of Standards

Unified certification framework harmonizing mineral traceability requirements across all ICGLR member states, eliminating regulatory fragmentation and establishing consistent due diligence protocols throughout the Great Lakes Region.

### One Audit Process

Standardized audit methodology applied uniformly across all member states, ensuring consistent evaluation criteria, reporting formats, and certification procedures. This creates a level playing field and builds international confidence in conflict-free mineral sourcing.

### Mine Site Inspections Manual Section 3 & Appendix 3

##### Requirements for Mine Site Inspections

Once per year or Minimum
MS Government Inspector (or Designate)
Must visit mine site

- Comprehensive on-site assessment
- Documentation review and verification
- Worker interviews and safety checks
- Environmental impact evaluation

##### Check for Conflict, Child Labour

Full set of standards Appendix 3

- Zero tolerance for child labor
- Conflict-free mineral verification
- Human rights compliance assessment
- Community engagement evaluation
- Forced labor prevention checks

##### Declare Mine Site Certified, un-Certified, YellowFlagged

Mine Status stored in MS Database

✓ Certified: Meets all standards

⚠ Yellow Flag: 3 months to fix, re-inspect

X Un-Certified: Does not meet requirements

##### Independent Mineral Chain Auditor

Independent Mineral Chain Auditor (Auditor General)

- Third-party independent verification
- Annual audit cycle for certified sites
- Supply chain traceability assessment
- Compliance monitoring and reporting
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

##### Must be linked to ICGLR Database on mine sites

Regular updates keep MS/ICGLR harmonized

- Real-time data synchronization
- Digital certificate issuance and tracking
- Cross-border mineral flow monitoring
- Automated compliance reporting
- Secure blockchain-based record keeping

##### Key Inspection Focus Areas

###### Labor Standards

Fair wages, safe working conditions, no discrimination

###### Environmental Protection

Waste management, water quality, land rehabilitation

###### Security Measures

Conflict-free certification, security personnel conduct

###### Traceability Systems

Chain of custody, mineral tagging, documentation

Download Full Manual View Appendix 3

#### Certification Benefits

- Enhanced market access and premium pricing
- Improved international reputation and credibility
- Compliance with international due diligence standards
- Risk mitigation in global supply chains
- Support for sustainable development goals
- Protection of worker rights and community welfare

#### Impact Statistics

Mine Sites Certified 1,722
Workers Protected 50,000+
Regional Compliance Rate 92%