The workshop will discuss the opportunities offered by the implementation of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Regional Certification Mechanism  by the government of the DR Congo to achieve responsible supply chains for artisanally produced minerals in conflict zones. It will specifically look at the experience of the project “Madini kwa amani na maendeleo” (“Minerals for Peace and Development”), which supports the DR Congo government in implementing the “blue status” in the eastern DR Congo. Potential consequences and challenges of this experience for the implementation of the European Union Conflict Minerals Regulation and of the European Union Critical Raw Materials Act will also be discussed.

9h30-12h: session with international stakeholders

Speakers:

• Christof Kurz, Chief of Party, Madini Project, Bukavu, RD Congo
• Prosper Pelo, Project Manager, Madini, Bukavu, RDCongo
• Freddy Nzonga, Consultant for National Advocacy, Madini, Kinshasa, RD Congo
• Eric Kajemba, National Coordinator, Observatoire Gouvernance et Paix (OGP), Bukavu, RDCongo
• Anicet Mbura, Advisor for natural resources at the ICGLR National Coordination Mechanism, Kinshasa, RD Congo
• Erik Kennes, Senior Research Fellow, Egmont Institute, Brussels

13h-16h30 : session with academic researchers specialized in the DRC artisanal mining sector in East RDC

Speakers :

(see above)

Comments by

• Dr. Sarah Geenen, IOB, University of Antwerp
• Dr. Christoph Vogel, Research Director, University of Ghent
• Sarah Katz-Lavigne, IOB, University of Antwerp

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)