DGSM Staff Training on analytical fingerprint method

DGSM staff undertook a one-day training workshop on Analytical finger printing method today the 30th November 2021at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe

The training aims at preparing key staff on mineral tracking using AFP and it focuses on the “Designated Minerals”: Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum and Gold (3TGs). Once in place, the technique is expected to resolve illegal mineral exploitation and trade within the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region ICGLR) namely: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
Analytical Finger printing is one of the tools proposed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development for monitoring mineral movement to reduce illegal mineral trading in the country. It is a complementary tool that can be added to demonstrate due diligence compliance in case one doubts the source of the commodity.
This optional traceability tool uses intrinsic mineral information (mineralogical, geochemical, and chronological features of 3T ore concentrates) and existing statistical data to trace the source of the 3T mineral concentrates (Tin, Tantalite, and Tungsten) and to make sure that these minerals were not mined from red-flagged mines.

SOME OF THE KEY STAFF WHO UNDERTOOK TRAINING IN AFP

All is required is an identified sample of the commodity in transit with its paper work which should contain origin of sample.
The training was conducted by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) who happen to be the developers of the method and the implementers on behalf of the ICGLR .
The training was funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Some of the key highlights of the training included the legal framework for AFP, steps to follow during sampling, and evaluation of the AFP data.
As mineral resources regulators, we trust that the training shall equip staff with techniques in field mineral sampling, testing and verification.