Case Study:
Circulor achieves first-ever mine-to-manufacturer traceability of a conflict mineral with Hyperledger Fabric
Use Case
Supply chain traceability, from mine to manufacturer
Problem
Tantalum from Rwanda is an essential ingredient in smartphones and laptops. But some is mined by children or slave labor in the war-torn Congo, making tantalum a conflict mineral. Public companies like Apple, HP and intel must ensure they have no conflict minerals in their products. But there’s been no sure-fire way to certify their supply chains.
“We have today been introduced to a new and innovative mineral traceability solution using blockchain technology. The initiative is already being implemented by one exporter from Rwanda.”
— Francis Gatare, chief executive of Rwanda’s Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board
“Our investment in Rwanda is a direct action to bring about change across the whole mining industry.”
— Ray Power, CEO of Power Resources Group
Solution
UK-based Circulor created a unique traceability system with scanners, sensors, and weigh scales that generate reliable data at each step of the supply chain. Powered by a permissioned blockchain built on Hyperledger Fabric, the system uses facial recognition and QR codes to ensure that every bag of tantalum from Rwanda is mined, transported, and processed under approved conditions.
Results
The blockchain-based system is designed to slash the high cost for compliance, to satisfy regulators, and to reassure consumers. The system went live in three mines and an ore-sorting facility in Rwanda in fall of 2018. It now delivers a world first: mine-to-manufacturer traceability of this vital resource.
