Specific Remarks:

Burundi is a member state of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and its headquarters are located in Bujumbura. The ICGLR is an intergovernmental organization focused on promoting peace, security, and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Burundi Minerals Certification Situation

Burundi faces significant challenges in mineral certification, particularly concerning the "3Ts" (tin, tantalum, and tungsten) and gold, due to a combination of factors including weak institutional capacity, lack of funding, and ongoing civil conflict. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR)'s Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM) aims to address these issues, but implementation in Burundi faces hurdles.

Key Challenges:

• 1. Weak Institutional Capacity:

• The Burundian Department of mines and quarries lacks personnel and resources to effectively track and certify minerals, hindering the ability to meet international standards.

• 2. Funding Limitations:

• The government struggles to afford the necessary systems and infrastructure for robust mineral certification.

• 3. Conflict and Instability:

• Civil conflict and rebel activity, including the emergence of new armed groups, disrupt mining operations and complicate efforts to establish secure and transparent supply chains.

• 4. Trafficking and Illicit Trade:

• Police and local officials are reportedly involved in gold trafficking, undermining efforts to formalize the sector and ensure responsible sourcing.

• 5. Implementation of RCM:

• While Burundi is part of the ICGLR's RCM, which is aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, full implementation is hampered by the aforementioned challenges.

• 6. Political Instability:

• The 2015 political crisis significantly impacted the mining sector, with some companies suspending operations and the market for 3Ts contracting.

Progress and Initiatives:

• 1. iTSCi Programme:

• The iTSCi program, in collaboration with the Burundian Ministry of Energy and Mines, has made progress in establishing traceability and responsible sourcing for 3Ts, but faced setbacks during the 2015 political crisis.

• 2. Digitalization:

• PACT, a global NGO is supporting the digitalization of mineral tracing, using a mobile app to improve data accuracy and efficiency.

• 3. RCM Implementation:

• IMPACT, a global organization, is providing technical guidance and training to Burundi and other ICGLR member states to implement the RCM.

• 4. Collaboration and Partnerships:

• The Burundian government, ICGLR, and various NGOs are working together to improve mineral governance and promote responsible sourcing.

Future Outlook:

Despite the challenges, there are opportunities to improve Burundi's mineral certification situation. Addressing the root causes of conflict and instability, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring adequate funding for certification systems are crucial steps. By leveraging international initiatives like the RCM and iTSCi, and by promoting transparency and traceability, Burundi can work towards a more responsible and sustainable mineral sector, contributing to both economic development and conflict prevention.