Traceability of critical raw materials, with a focus on Africa : study

The traceability of critical raw materials along the supply chain is pivotal in meeting wider public demands for corporate sustainability and complying with relevant regulations from the European Union that contain requirements for responsible sourcing and the transparency of supply chains. This paper serves as a technical and logistical primer on traceability mechanisms, focusing on upstream mining in Africa - the part of a mineral supply chain from extraction to transformation. It compares and classifies the industry's existing approaches to traceability based on the minerals targeted, implementation mechanisms, the use of technology and validity. Emphasis is placed on functional mechanisms, benefits and challenges. Particular attention is paid to comparing industrial methods with artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) approaches. ASM, which forms a significant proportion of the market of specific critical raw materials, is the most exposed to abuse but has high rates of livelihood dependence and developmental potential. This paper makes recommendations on: the complementarity, interoperability and integration of initiatives; the role of state and non-state actors for compliance and enforcement; and the potential for including ASM.