The Regional Dimensions of Tackling Illicit Minerals Trade: Lessons Learned from Over a Decade of Mineral Certification

Armel Nganzi Kopialo, Impact Transform (Central African Republic/Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Conflict and illicit mineral exploitation in Africa's Great Lakes Region were the impetus behind some of the
earliest efforts involving mineral supply chain due diligence and certification, including via a regional
certification mechanism created by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). More
than a decade later, this experience has become a pertinent case study for understanding both the potential and
limitations of responsible sourcing efforts -- all which are very relevant to emerging discussions in new
minerals, metals, and geographies. This presentation will explore the benefits and challenges of regional
approaches to mineral governance, including in how they relate to local, national, and international forms of
governance. Using the ICGLR experience, it will explore the practical limits and achievements of due diligence
implementation and identify potential enabling factors for effective regional governance