Complete Guide to Minerals & Gold Export from Africa
Navigate the complex regulatory landscape of African mineral exports - from LBMA-certified gold bars to conflict-free coltan, with full compliance guidance for OECD, EU, and US regulations.
$50B+
Africa's Gold Trade
25%
Global Gold Output
40+
Mining Nations
⚠️ Conflict Minerals Compliance - Critical
Gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3TG) from conflict-affected regions require mandatory due diligence under:
OECD Annex II
5-step due diligence framework for responsible mineral supply chains
EU Regulation 2017/821
Mandatory since Jan 2021 - importers must verify origin and chain of custody
US Dodd-Frank §1502
SEC reporting requirement for companies using conflict minerals from DRC region
HS Code Classification - Minerals & Precious Metals
| HS Code | Description | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 2616.10 | Silver ores and concentrates | Ore |
| 2616.90 | Precious metal ores and concentrates (incl. gold) | Ore |
| 2611.00 | Tungsten ores and concentrates | Ore |
| 2615.90 | Niobium, tantalum (coltan) ores and concentrates | Ore |
| 7108.12 | Gold in unwrought forms (non-monetary) | Refined |
| 7108.13 | Gold in semi-manufactured forms | Semi-finished |
| 7106.91 | Silver, unwrought | Refined |
| 7110.11 | Platinum, unwrought or in powder form | Refined |
| 2609.00 | Tin ores and concentrates | Ore |
| 7112.91 | Waste and scrap of gold | Recycled |
Mining & Processing Methods
Large-Scale Mining (LSM)
Industrial open-pit and underground mining with heavy machinery, flotation, and cyanide leaching
Output Quality
High-purity doré bars (90-95% Au), consistent output, LBMA-eligible after refining
Artisanal & Small-Scale (ASM)
Manual or semi-mechanized extraction, gravity separation, mercury or borax amalgamation
Output Quality
Variable purity alluvial gold, requires aggregation and refining, Fairmined eligible
Refining to .999+
Miller chlorination or Wohlwill electrolytic process to achieve 999.9 fine gold
Output Quality
Investment-grade bars and granules, LBMA Good Delivery certification