TraCerLab Group signs MoU with SAEMAPE to advance mineral traceability in the Democratic Republic of Congo
TraCerLab Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with SAEMAPE, the DRC’s public agency for artisanal and small-scale mining — marking the company’s move from technology development to field implementation.
TraCerLab signs MoU with SAEMAPE to advance mineral traceability in the Democratic Republic of Congo
LUBUMBASHI, DR Congo — June 23, 2026 — TraCerLab Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with SAEMAPE, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s public agency responsible for supporting and supervising artisanal and small-scale mining, marking a significant step in the company’s move from technology development to field implementation.
The agreement was signed on Friday, June 19, 2026, during the 21st edition of DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi, organised by VUKA Group. It comes five years after TraCerLab began developing its geochemical intelligence platform, which combines digital chain-of-custody safeguards with scientific verification of mineral origin.
The MoU is expected to provide the framework for deploying TraCerLab’s mineral fingerprinting solution across selected mining sites in the DRC. The company said the initiative aims to support improved transparency in artisanal mining, strengthen mineral governance, and create a more robust evidence base for responsible sourcing.
TraCerLab and SAEMAPE representatives sign the memorandum of understanding during the 21st edition of DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi, 19 June 2026. Photo: DRC Ministry of Mines communications office.
A central component of the project is the proposed development of a sovereign geochemical DNA database for the DRC. The database is intended to give national authorities long-term ownership of scientific reference data linked to mineral origin, while supporting institutional capacity in oversight, traceability and compliance.
The planned deployment will also cover identification of artisanal and small-scale mining sites, miners and cooperatives, as well as lot-level tracking through the mineral supply chain.
TraCerLab and SAEMAPE are now discussing the selection of an initial pilot mine site. The first implementation phase is expected to serve as a test case for broader deployment across the country’s artisanal mining ecosystem.
For the DRC, the agreement could become part of a wider national effort to strengthen mineral governance in a sector that remains central to the country’s economy, employment base and role in global critical mineral supply chains. The initiative is designed not only to improve traceability, but also to deliver practical benefits on the ground for miners, cooperatives and local communities through better site identification, lot-level visibility, responsible sourcing controls and improved institutional oversight. It also provides a pathway for the deployment of TraCerLab’s ESG programme with miners’ support, focused on strengthening safety, transparency, environmental responsibility and long-term value creation for communities working across artisanal mining sites.
About SAEMAPE
SAEMAPE (Service d’Assistance et d’Encadrement de l’Exploitation Minière Artisanale et à Petite Échelle), formerly SAESSCAM, is the Democratic Republic of Congo’s public agency responsible for assisting, supervising and supporting the development of artisanal and small-scale mining across the country. Learn more at saemape.cd.