A blockchain pilot project designed to demonstrate the presence of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sites in the tungsten supply chain is scheduled to be completed in May 2019.
The SustainBlock trial started in May 2018 and is focused on a tungsten supply chain originating from Rwanda.Funded by the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM), a multi-stakeholder grouping set up to create better social and economic conditions for mine workers and local mining communities, the project intends to use a blockchain-based system to demonstrate supply chain accountability from ASM sites all the way to minerals and metals end-users.It involves tungsten miners, traders, smelters and manufacturing companies, as well as other key stakeholders such as the local community and government.SustainBlock also seeks to give downstream companies access to information on the provenance of minerals contained in their products. Tungsten is used in the production of hard materials, alloys and steel.The...