About Us
Who We Are
A science and technology cooperative solving the critical challenge of mineral traceability.
TracerLab Group
Est. 2020 · BelgiumTraCerLab is a cooperative society, incorporated in Belgium in 2020, that operates as a science and new technology service company. We are dedicated to solving the critical societal challenge of traceability and certification for essential minerals—including Cobalt, Copper, Zinc, and 3TG (Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten, and Gold)—in the African Great Lakes Region. Our mission is to enable ethical access to natural resources and promote fair technology.
We believe that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), which provides a vital livelihood for millions, can be a positive driver for development. Our work focuses on partnering with governments, industry, and mining communities to improve technical knowledge and support the formalization of the sector. Through concrete projects, we involve ASM actors in building an Analytical Footprint (AFP) reference database — a tool designed to strengthen supply chain transparency and support due diligence aligned with international standards like the OECD Guidance.
Our goal extends beyond traceability. By integrating a strong focus on ESG principles—including governance, the protection of women and children, and environmental stewardship—we aim to help mitigate risks such as human rights abuses and child labor. Through our technological innovations, we seek to empower local communities, enabling them to benefit safely from their mineral resources and contribute to lasting peace and stability.
Vision
We believe passionately in the ability of Science, Innovation, and Business to create a better world for stakeholders of artisanal mining in Central Africa by 2035. Our goal is to be recognized as the leading service provider of traceability, certification, evaluation, and purification technologies, and software solutions for conflict-free and sustainable use of 3TG minerals from the Great Lakes Region.
Sector Diagnostic
The ASM sector involves more than millions of direct actors on the African continent, but it is still associated with violent conflicts, mistreatment of artisanal miners, illegal trading, diversion of state funds, and environmental mismanagement. These circumstances discredit and tarnish the image and reputation of stakeholders in this sector.
Efforts of transparency and traceability are underway in the DRC and many other countries of Central Africa and the African Great Lakes Region. Although several traceability systems exist, they have shown their limitations in the field. From international conferences (OECD, RBA, RMI) and regulations (USA, EU), there remains a strong market demand for more reliable and efficient traceability solutions.
Leadership
The Team Behind TracerLab
Scientific expertise, technology leadership, and field experience — bridging academic research with real-world mineral traceability.
Pr. Dr. Ir. Philippe Lambin
Honorary President of the Board · Senior Science Advisor
SciencePhilippe brings exceptional academic and field expertise as a full Professor at the Higher Education Pedagogical Institute of Bukavu and a longstanding physics professor at the University of Namur. He coordinates pioneering research projects focused on the characterization and developmental applications of coltan within the Kivu Province. A Physicist Engineer and Doctor in Physics from the University of Liège, Philippe has also been a distinguished member of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Belgium since 2013.
Ndagano Nyamweru
Chief Executive Officer
StrategyNdagano is a multifaceted serial entrepreneur with extensive expertise in IT, telecommunications, and startup consultancy. After studying Business Management at the University of Namur, he capitalized on the mobile boom in 2002 by launching his first startup, delivering the world’s first GSM-GPS solutions with BENEFON in Belgium and France. In 2004, his company developed the innovative 'Mandown' microchip, a pioneering safety feature for mobile devices. He is driven by a profound belief that ICT and innovative technology can transform the world, and he leads TracerLab's mission to create a transparent, ethical, and sustainable future for artisanal mining in Central Africa.
Pr. Dr. Mac C. Mugumaoderha
Chief Science Officer
Research & DataWith nearly two decades of experience teaching Experimental Physics and Sustainable Technology, Mac has been at the forefront of material physics since 2006. He leverages a comprehensive array of advanced techniques—from laboratory analysis to synchrotron facilities—for the meticulous characterization of crystal structures and elemental composition. Since 2014, he has spearheaded R&D projects dedicated to optimizing the characterization of mineral resources in the DRC. Instrumental in establishing a pilot coltan purification laboratory, Mac holds a PhD in Material Physics from the University of Namur.
Olrick-Anselme Olenga Disashi
Chief Product Officer
Product & TechnologyOlrick brings over 15 years of distinguished experience bridging financial markets, operation, technology, and socially responsible investments. Starting his career as a quality control engineer in the UK automotive sector, he transitioned into investment consulting for family offices, private banks, and pension funds with a dedicated focus on private equity in Africa. Formerly the Global Head of Client Services for ETF and Regulatory Solutions at S&P Global, and later Global Head of Client and Technology Services at Rimes, Olrick specializes in delivering scalable solutions, optimizing governance, and driving operational excellence. Recognized as one of the Top 100 African Business Leaders in the UK (2025) by the African Business Chamber (AfBC), he also serves as the General Coordinator and Vice-President of ASOMIP Congo—an orphanage foundation, where he oversees core strategy and development. He holds a BSc in Mechanical and Design Engineering with a specialization in material engineering.
Our Extended Field Network
Our work is strengthened by a multidisciplinary field network that blends technology, geology, and community engagement. We collaborate with an extended advisors team of 20+ geologists and PhD researchers who operate directly on site and with our partnered Universities, working alongside a broad network of mining cooperatives. This embedded presence ensures that our solutions are grounded in real operational conditions, aligned with geological realities, and co-designed with local actors to deliver measurable, field-ready impact at scale.