Minerals
Naturally resourced minerals are some of the most valuable and widely traded commodities.
As demand for responsible sourcing and proof of origin continues to grow, governments and industry stakeholders require greater Mineral supply chain transparency. SICPA helps strengthen mineral governance through trusted Mineral traceability solutions, enabling greater visibility, accountability and trust across the mineral value chain.
Challenges
The journey from mine to market is often fragmented and difficult to follow. While there is a growing consensus among regulators, industry stakeholders and consumers on the need for Mineral Traceability and reliable proof of origin, the practical implementation of these principles remains limited.
In Africa alone, between 321 and 474 tons of gold are being produced without being declared, equating to a value of between $24 billion and $35 billion.
Through illicit mining, governments face:
Limited visibility over production and trade flows makes it difficult for governments to accurately assess and collect royalties and taxes. As a result, significant public revenues may be lost, reducing resources available for national development and public services.
Illicit mineral trade often operates outside legal and regulatory frameworks, creating opportunities for criminal networks to prosper. These activities undermines economic stability, weaken governance and threaten national security.
Unregulated mining practices frequently occur without adequate environmental safeguards or safety standards. This leads to land degradation, water contamination and increased risks for workers and local communities.
As international markets demand greater transparency and responsible sourcing, demonstrating proof of origin is becoming essential. The absence of reliable traceability can weaken trust, expose stakeholders to reputational risks and restrict access to global markets.
Authorities aren’t the only group facing challenges, the impact extends across the entire mineral ecosystem. Miners are exposed to unsafe working conditions and hazardous chemicals, while their limited integration into formal supply chains can restrict access to fair remuneration.
Refiners risk the potential loss of market share to competitors with more transparent practices, and may face penalties for failing to comply with international regulations and standards. In the end, consumers lose trust in brands, as they question the ethical sourcing and integrity of the supply chain.
Solutions
Strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and protect value with a system designed for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s markets.
SICPA’s Mineral Traceability solution is built on two complementary pillars that work together to establish mine-to-market traceability and proof of origin.
Traceability Platform
Physical markers
Benefits
SICPA CommStack provides a transformative approach built on real-time data capture, user-friendly technology, and physical security features that go beyond compliance to deliver true mine-to-market visibility.
The solution strengthens every link in the value chain. It is a whole ecosystem, a governance tool designed to restore control over the supply chain and optimise royalties’ collection, enabling trust for the whole mining industry.
By adapting and integrating SICPA CommStack’s solution, government authorities will benefit from:
Complete visibility across mineral transactions enables governments to maximise royalty collection and increase fiscal revenues. These resources can be reinvested in national priorities, supporting economic growth and public service delivery.
Greater control over mineral movements helps strengthen oversight across the sector. This provides authorities with the information needed to support compliance, improve governance and reinforce supply chain integrity.
The integration of artisanal and small-scale miners into a formal ecosystem encourages responsible participation in the mineral economy. This supports better environmental practices while fostering sustainable sector development.
Demonstrating responsible sourcing and proof of origin enhances confidence among international buyers, investors and trading partners. This supports competitiveness, facilitates market access and attracts long-term investment.
Case Studies
Supporting transparency and trust in natural resources
Case studies illustrate how secure traceability solutions contribute to stronger resource governance, responsible sourcing and greater confidence across global supply chains.
SICPA CommStack has successfully deployed a gold platform for the government of Zimbabwe.
Since implementation of the programme, Zimbabwe has recorded a 46% increase in gold captured for royalty collection (H1 2025 vs H1 2024), helping to create a stable and attractive policy environment through which local and foreign capital can be drawn for sector modernisation and expansion.
This project has also helped implement and enforce stronger environmental and social governance (ESG) standards across mining operations of all scales.
