About Us
A science and technology cooperative solving the critical challenge of mineral traceability.
TraCerLab 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.
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.
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
Scientific expertise, technology leadership, and field experience — bridging academic research with real-world mineral traceability.
Honorary President of the Board - Co-Founder - Senior Science Advisor
ScienceCEO & Co-Founder
StrategyManaging Director & Co-Founder
Research & DataOur work is strengthened by a multidisciplinary field network that blends technology, geology, and community engagement. We collaborate with an extended 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.