The challenges of gold traceability in the Great Lakes region
The establishment of gold traceability mechanisms in the Great Lakes region has become a crucial issue. Indeed, the gold trade in this region is a vital economic activity, but it is often tainted by illegal practices, such as illegal mining, conflict financing and human rights violations. These problems have harmful consequences on the social, economic and environmental situation of the region.
It is in this context that the Prime Minister of the Congolese Government, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, highlighted the importance of gold traceability during the ICGLR Regional Forum on artisanal gold mining. He said gold traceability was essential to eliminate harmful practices, ensure responsible, ethical and legal mining, and help ensure peace and combat the financing of insecurity.
Gold traceability mechanisms make it possible to trace the origin of gold from its production to its marketing. This helps identify legal mines, combat illegal mining and promote responsible exploitation of natural resources. By putting these mechanisms in place, it becomes possible to guarantee the legitimacy and transparency of the gold trade, while contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
Illegal gold trafficking has significant consequences on the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to experts, the country loses around a billion dollars per year due to illegal mineral trafficking. More than 90% of the gold produced in the DRC is smuggled through neighboring countries, notably Rwanda and Uganda.
To combat this trafficking, it is essential to strengthen regional cooperation and establish gold traceability mechanisms. This involves collaboration between different actors, such as governments, international organizations and businesses, to ensure the implementation of effective traceability standards and procedures.
At the end of the ICGLR Regional Forum, the establishment of a regional mineral monitoring system is expected, which will ensure responsible gold trade in the Great Lakes region.
In conclusion, gold traceability is a crucial issue in the Great Lakes region. By implementing traceability mechanisms, it is possible to combat illegal practices, promote responsible exploitation of natural resources and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. Regional cooperation and collaboration between relevant stakeholders are essential to ensure the success of these traceability mechanisms and guarantee legitimate and transparent trade in gold.