Burundi has started to implement the mineral traceability project, internationally known as iTSCi, possibly in response to a looming international embargo against its cassetirite, wolfram and coltan minerals.

By so doing, Burundi joins Rwanda and four provinces of the DRC; Katanga, Maniema, North Kivu and South Kivu, to implement the project which promotes the export of conflict free minerals from the region.

"Starting iTSCi in Burundi is a key milestone which will considerably strengthen the regional dynamics of traceability and due diligence of minerals in the region,” Yves Bawa, the iTSCi regional programme manager said on Monday.

Although Burundi has relatively small production of cassetirite, wolfram and coltan, with a total of around 500 to 1,000 tonnes a year, it faces an embargo meant to be implemented since yesterday April 1, 2014 against the export of those minerals.

Rwanda was the first country to implement iTSCi as required by an American legislation signed into law by US President Barack Obama in 2010.

The country was also the first in the Great Lakes to issue the regional ICGLR certificate for the exportation of minerals, a move aimed at boosting mineral traceability and transparency.