The RMR project has achieved significant progress in 2024, paving the way for enhanced transparency and sustainability in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Liberia and beyond. This collaborative grant initiative, involving key partners Minespider, FBK, and ECTerra, has made strides in developing and deploying innovative solutions that leverage IoT and blockchain technology to address ASM challenges.
Prototyping and design of the technical solution
The main goal of the project is to create a platform combining blockchain and IoT technologies to automatically record and track minerals' origin, ownership, and provenance.
In 2024, FBK spearheaded the design and prototyping of the RMR’s digital scale and barrel sensor - essential tools for enhancing traceability in ASM. Key accomplishments include:
- Prototype Deployment: Delivered the initial prototypes of the digital scale and barrel sensor for field testing in Liberia, gathering critical data to guide subsequent improvements.
- RMR Mobile App: Launched the first version of the RMR app to integrate with the devices, addressing operational needs through updates (V1 and V1.1).
- Technical Documentation: Produced comprehensive reports, manuals, and training videos to support device installation and usage.
- Pilot Optimization: Initiated enhancements based on insights from field operations, ensuring alignment with project objectives and real-world conditions.
RMR Training Material Development
Recognizing the diverse needs of stakeholders in ASM, Minespider tailored training materials for governments, traders, and miners that the ECTerra then presented to the target audience on the ground in Liberia. The materials evolved through three iterations:
- Version 1 (June 2024): Introduced ASM challenges and the potential of blockchain and IoT for traceability, focusing on Liberia’s mining sector and regulatory landscape.
- Version 2 (October 2024): Enhanced with insights on Liberia’s compliance with the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and the socio-economic benefits of mining transparency.
- Version 3 (November 2024): Included updates on the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), emphasizing ESG compliance, supply chain diversification, and EU-Africa partnerships.
The training materials equipped stakeholders with actionable insights, promoting alignment with international standards and effective policy implementation.
ECTerra’s Fieldwork and Pilot Phase
ECTerra played a pivotal role in the successful execution of Pilot Phase 1 in Liberia, marked by:
- Device Shipment and Training: Coordinated the shipment of RMR scales and barrels to Liberia, where the first users received hands-on training and tested the devices under realistic conditions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: ECTerra’s trip to Liberia facilitated in-depth discussions with local stakeholders, a market assessment of RMR technology, and the identification of implementation challenges.
- Training Sessions: Conducted two out of three planned training sessions, with the third session delivered by a local NGO in Maryland. These sessions laid the groundwork for broader adoption and implementation of the RMR system.
Brief Summary
The achievements of 2024 represent critical steps toward optimizing the RMR solution for market readiness. Feedback from field testing in Liberia, coupled with continuous improvements to the devices, app, and training materials, underscores the project’s commitment to fostering responsible mining practices.
