Mineral Certification: The Genesis and Steps Uganda Ought to Remember

Oct 29, 2014 | New Vision
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On December 15, 2010, Uganda endorsed the ICGLR Lusaka Declaration adopting six tools to fight Illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Great Lakes Region.

The six tools include: 1) Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM); 2) Harmonisation of National Legislation; 3) Regional Database on Mineral Flows; 4) Formalisation of Artisanal Mining Sector; 5) Promotion of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI); and 6) Whistle blowing mechanism.

In this declaration, Member States directed their relevant institutions to implement the above six tools, particularly the RCM. This has been the genesis of what is referred to as “Mineral Certification.” Designated minerals for certification are tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold. The RCM manual and standards define what needs to be done, by whom and measure of compliance.