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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once per year or Minimum
MS Government Inspector (or Designate)
Must visit mine site
Full set of standards Appendix 3
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 (Auditor General)
Regular updates keep MS/ICGLR harmonized
Fair wages, safe working conditions, no discrimination
Waste management, water quality, land rehabilitation
Conflict-free certification, security personnel conduct
Chain of custody, mineral tagging, documentation