What we do in Lubumbashi

The material traded through Lubumbashi is mostly copper and cobalt, with gold from the region and further north. Each has its own risks: cathode that is not the brand or grade stated, concentrate wetter or poorer than the certificate says, gold that is not what it appears. Our inspectors test and sample at the warehouse, seal the lot and follow it to loading.

  • [Gold testing](/services/gold-testing) — XRF, acid and density on every piece, sealed, with fire assay
  • [Copper sampling and laboratory testing](/services/copper-sampling-lab-testing) — cathode, concentrate and cobalt hydroxide
  • [Warehouse inspection and witnessed loading](/services/mine-warehouse-inspection) — counts, weights, marks and seals through to the truck
  • [Document authentication](/services/document-authentication) — export documents and CEEC certificates confirmed with their issuers

Rules a buyer meets in the DR Congo

Mining rights are recorded by CAMI, the mining cadastre, under the 2018 revision of the Mining Code. Exports of minerals are certified by the CEEC, and artisanal production is exported through approved trading houses. Companies are registered in the RCCM. Much of the region’s material crosses into Zambia at Kasumbalesa on its way to port.

Buyers subject to responsible-sourcing rules will also need evidence that meets the OECD due diligence guidance for minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Our reports set out the evidence gathered against it.

How an engagement runs

  1. Brief — the material, the warehouse or site, the quantity and the documents you hold.
  2. Scope — tests, sampling method, laboratory and whether loading will be witnessed.
  3. Inspection — count, weights, marks and condition recorded; gold tested; copper sampled.
  4. Sealing — the lot and the samples sealed with numbered seals.
  5. Laboratory — samples delivered to an accredited laboratory; certificate addressed to you.
  6. Loading — on request, the inspector witnesses loading and seals the trucks or containers.

What you receive

  • An inspection report with counts, weights, marks and condition
  • Field test results for gold, and sampling records for copper and cobalt
  • Laboratory certificates addressed to you
  • Dated photographs and video taken by our inspector
  • A witnessed-loading record with truck or container and seal numbers, where requested