In detail, the solution helps capture key information that European Union importers require to comply with the new EU Conflict Mineral Regulation coming into force in January 2021.

In a press release, the companies said that, when using OreSource, smelters have to upload the data required into a digital blockchain certificate. Then, by affixing a QR code to a mineral shipment, or to an invoice, the recipients of the materials receive all the data they need to ensure their compliance with the EU regulation. The data remain secured on Minespider’s public blockchain protocol.

LuNa is the first Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) conformant tin smelter on the African continent, producing tin ingots and other minerals recovered from the refining process, such as tantalum concentrate.

The ore is partially procured from LuNa’s own operational sites, as well as third-parties who are compliant with the smelter’s internal environmental and social standards.

Besides the smelter and the blockchain firm, Google is also involved in the project and will provide input and offer industry expertise to ensure OreSource is aligned with importer and manufacturer requirements.

“Minespider and Google have previously implemented a traceability project, tracking tin from the mine to the end-user, along with other consortium members such as Volkswagen, and the Peruvian mining company Minsur,” the media brief states.

“The cooperation with LuNa Smelter and Minespider will further Google’s engagement in responsible sourcing practices for 3TGs in the Great Lakes region.”