How we verify a mine, and trace what it sells.

Every mine goes through the same seven stages. Open any stage for the detail.

Proposed verification process. You can try provisional registration with fictional details. Real mine registration and verification remain closed while legal details, responsibilities and operating arrangements are completed.

1. Registration

   The mine registers, gets a Provisional MUCC code, and completes a self-assessment covering legal status, labour, safety, environment, community and production records.

   What it involves: Registration

   South Africa is the first launch country. Applicants must have authority to represent the mine. Registration does not establish legal permission to mine. Buyer and trader admission is a separate process. Registration is free for miners.

2. Baseline review

   Analysts review the documents, screen the country and area for conflict and other high risks, and send the mine a gap report with a draft corrective action plan.

   What it involves: Baseline review

   We check the legal permissions required for the mine’s actual activities, who owns and runs it, and where it is. A prospecting right alone does not establish permission for unrelated mining activities. Screening covers the risks set out in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, including serious abuses, support to armed groups, bribery, fraud, money laundering, and unpaid taxes and royalties.

3. Site assessment

   An assessor visits the mine and records working conditions with photos, GPS references and field notes.

   What it involves: Site assessment

   The proposed process requires competent assessors, conflict checks and clear identification before a visit. Assessor appointments and any accreditation have not been confirmed. Site photos and exact locations must remain restricted.

4. Corrective action

   Where there are gaps, the mine agrees a corrective action plan with deadlines. We check the work remotely or on a follow-up visit.

   What it involves: Corrective action

   A corrective action plan is not a substitute for addressing serious abuse. Credible forced labour, worst forms of child labour or unlawful armed-group support require immediate escalation and a decision to withhold or suspend verification, with safe remediation and reporting where required.

5. Verification decision

   An authorised ASMRAF decision-maker reviews the evidence. Certified status requires a recorded decision, scope and review date. The final decision powers and renewal period need formal adoption.

   What it involves: Verification decision

   Anyone with a conflict must step out. The mine should receive the outcome, reasons, any corrective actions and the route to an independent appeal review. An appointed arbitrator must not be implied before an arrangement exists.

6. Approved provider

   The mine joins an approved provider, such as MinePay, which records each lot it sells against its MUCC code.

   What it involves: Approved provider

   Each lot record holds the weight, assay results, handovers, buyer and payment, with the transport documents and export permits the law requires. Any mismatch between a lot and its record triggers an investigation.

7. Surveillance and renewal

   The proposed process continues desk reviews and risk-based visits after verification. Review timing and conditions must be recorded; the formal renewal schedule is pending.

   What it involves: Surveillance and renewal

   Serious harm, falsified records, tampering, unfinished corrective actions or obstruction can trigger suspension or review. Reasons and appeal rights must be recorded. Controlled notifications to affected buyers and providers are part of the proposed process; the notification integration is not live.

Why no decision rests on one source

• Government licenses mines, sets the rules, collects royalties and taxes, and controls exports. ASMRAF never replaces any of this.

• ASMRAF, a not-for-profit, sets the requirements, verifies mines, decides each mine’s status, and runs complaints and appeals. It doesn’t buy or sell minerals or handle payments.

• The MUCC code is the mine’s permanent identity: one code per mine, for life. Every lot the mine sells is recorded under it.

• Approved providers, such as MinePay, support the sale through technology, transaction records and documents. Payment providers carry out payments under separate arrangements. They use the MUCC code under ASMRAF’s terms. Any provider that meets the requirements can apply, and ASMRAF’s agreement with MinePay is non-exclusive.

• Approved buyers agree to buy from ASMRAF mines only once their code is Certified, and keep doing their own due diligence.

• Independent auditors are part of the proposed assurance structure. An auditor and appointment date have not yet been confirmed.

How ASMRAF is governed