Government recommits to strengthening regional cooperation
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Top StoriesGovernment has pledged commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, transparency and accountability in the management of mineral resources to promote peace, stability and sustainable development. Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta,…
Government has pledged commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, transparency and accountability in the management of mineral resources to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, says responsible mineral governance is essential to ensuring that the region’s mineral wealth benefits citizens and future generations.
The Permanent Secretary said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Director of Planning and Information, Tobias Musonda, at the 30th Meeting of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Audit Committee.
Dr Kabeta said the Audit Committee played a critical role in strengthening the credibility of the Regional Certification Mechanism and building confidence in mineral supply chains.
He added increasing global demand for critical minerals presented opportunities for regional economies, but called for stronger cooperation and adherence to high standards of accountability in resource management.
The Permanent Secretary also acknowledged the support of the ICGLR Secretariat and cooperating partners in advancing the regional initiative.
“Regional cooperation remains essential in strengthening responsible mineral governance,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, ICGLR Deputy Executive Secretary, Yassir Mohammed, said credible independent audits and effective implementation of recommendations were essential in preventing illegal mineral exploitation and reducing the link between mineral resources and armed conflict.
Ambassador Mohammed said the committee plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with regional and international standards.
He added that credible audits are essential in promoting accountability and responsible mineral trade.
Ambassador Mohammed said the Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM) is designed to promote traceability, transparency and due diligence in mineral supply chains across the Great Lakes Region.
“The goal is to ensure mineral extraction and trade support peace, security, sustainable development, and better livelihoods, not conflict or illicit exploitation,” Ambassador Mohammed said.
Meanwhile, ICGLR Audit Committee Chairperson, Philip Kirui, said the growing interest among African central banks in purchasing domestically produced gold presented an opportunity to formalise artisanal mining and ensure that mineral wealth benefited local economies.
Mr Kirui noted that gold purchased by central banks must have a verifiable origin and meet responsible sourcing standards.
“its origin and the integrity of the supply chain must also withstand scrutiny,” he said.
He further explained that the region should strengthen mechanisms that support legitimate artisanal miners while improving market access and investor confidence.
Mr Kirui added that the ICGLR had made progress in responsible sourcing of tin, tungsten and tantalum, but needed to give equal attention to gold, which presented unique traceability challenges.
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