ITSCI continues to support member companies and government partners in Burundi. Following the launch of electronic data collection in December 2021, our team trained local authorities and stakeholders in Bujumbura, Cibitoke, Bubanza, Gitega, Kirundo, Muyinga, Ngozi, and Kayanza provinces.
The electronic data collection is implemented at the mine, processing and export level through a mobile application that allows government agents responsible for traceability at mine sites and processors/exporters’ facilities to gather data and upload documents quickly and safely. In September 2022, our team met representatives of exporters to discuss improvements in data sharing, including the new functionality developed to allow the transmission of mineral receipts to exporters via email. ITSCI also carried out ten training sessions for over 700 participants, focusing on traceability and due diligence requirements in line with the OECD recommendations, including one on one coaching sessions for government agents in the western and northern parts of the country. These training sessions aim to strengthen the knowledge of the Office Burundais des Mines et Carrières (OBM) agents on electronic data collection and data synchronisation to reduce incidents related to the chain of custody.
‘We appreciate the application because it made data recording faster than before. There is no need to write the traceability data. We only need to scan the tags. This improves efficiency at mine level to a great extent.’ Mr. Ndihokubwayo Christophe, OBM agent assigned at mine level, Northern Burundi
ITSCI continually seeks to improve its systems and, funds permitting, adopt new technologies where relevant and aligned with our objectives for data management and supporting governments in building capacity and improving governance in the 3T mineral sector. The introduction of technology to support mineral traceability does not reduce the need for ongoing monitoring of risks in mining areas.
