African Critical Minerals: Walikale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Regains Mineral Traceability, but Risks Remain
After a suspension in March 2025, ITSCI has resumed the traceability of 3T minerals in Walikale, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Risks caused by illegal taxation and the involvement of armed groups in transportation routes still exist
Smuggling and certification flaws continue to undermine the credibility of traceability
The International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) announced that it will resume operations in Walikale, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This marks the end of the initial suspension policy implemented in March 2025. Despite ongoing concerns about funding for non-state armed groups, this major risk led to the suspension of traceability for 3T minerals, tin, tantalum, and tungsten in the region.
ITSCI said its team is conducting joint assessments with public authorities at different production sites to restart labeling of mineral batches.
Once labeled, these minerals will be transported to Maniema Province for sale and export. However, the organization warned that there are still risks of illegal taxation on transport routes.
ITSCI did not identify who is collecting these illegal taxes. However, independent reports in recent years have shown that anti-government groups set up checkpoints and extort tolls from miners. A report published by the Belgian International Peace Information Service (IPIS) in March 2024 found that 36% of checkpoints in Walikale and Masiki territories were controlled by non-state armed actors.
ITSCI initially suspended activities due to the presence of the M23 rebel group in Walikale. Since the group withdrew in early April, industrial operations have resumed, such as the Bizi Tin Mine operated by Alpha Mining Resources, the only large tin mine in the province.
Although ITSCI claims to support the export of more than 23,000 tons of 3T minerals annually, it has long faced criticism for defects in its certification system. In 2022, "Global Witness" accused the initiative of effectively sourcing from mines controlled by militias or child labor mines.
No matter how traceability efforts proceed, mineral smuggling and illegal exports continue to plague the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In April 2025, Global Witness accused European trader Traxys of purchasing cobalt from areas controlled by M23. Until structural weaknesses in supply route control and related participants are addressed, the credibility of the Democratic Republic's traceability system will remain under pressure.
Source: ecofinagency
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836547512429644/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author