How we prove where it came from — and who touched it on the way.
In metals and minerals, a clean document trail is worth as much as the material itself. This page sets out exactly how we source, verify, record and export — so your compliance team can test every step.
Five steps, applied to every supply chain
Our process is structured around the five-step framework of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.
Management system
Written supply-chain policy, a named compliance function and record-keeping for every lot.
Identify & assess risk
Map each supply chain; check sources and counterparties against red-flag indicators.
Respond to risk
Mitigate, suspend or disengage — and record the decision and reasons.
Independent checks
Third-party assay and inspection on every lot. External audit of our system: In progress
Report
Due-diligence information shared with buyers and refiners on request.
Chain of custody, stage by stage
Each lot receives an ID at source. That ID follows the material through every hand-over to the vessel or aircraft, and appears on every document in the shipment pack.
| Stage | What we record | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Source | Supplier identity, authorisation, location, date, gross weight | Purchase record · supplier file |
| 2 · Aggregation | Receipt, weighing, lot ID assignment, storage location | Receiving note · lot register |
| 3 · Transport | Vehicle, route, custodian, seals, departure and arrival | Transport log · seal record |
| 4 · Assay & inspection | Sampling, laboratory, results, umpire sample | Assay / inspection certificate |
| 5 · Export clearance | Authorisations, customs entry, loading | Export declaration · CoO · B/L or AWB |
| 6 · Delivery | Hand-over to carrier and buyer | Shipping documents · buyer receipt |
Custody records are retained for at least five years and shared with verified buyers during due diligence.
We check both ends of the trade
Suppliers and buyers are screened before the first transaction and re-checked periodically.
Suppliers
- Identity and legal registration
- Mining or trading authorisation for the material supplied
- Beneficial ownership
- Site location and production consistency
- Sanctions and adverse-media screening
Buyers
- Company registration and good standing
- Beneficial ownership and authorised signatories
- Sanctions screening against UN, EU, UK and US lists
- Payment from the contracting party’s own bank account
- Destination and end-use where relevant
What stops a transaction
Any of the following suspends trading on the lot or counterparty until resolved. If it cannot be resolved, we disengage.
- Unverifiable origin or inconsistent production records
- Links to armed groups, serious human-rights abuses or the worst forms of child labour
- Cash settlement or payments to or from unrelated third parties
- Sanctions or adverse-media matches on any party
- Pressure to skip assay, inspection or documentation
- Misdescribed material — grade, weight or origin not matching records
Exported through the proper channels
Mineral exports from Cameroon are governed by the national Mining Code and cleared through the competent authorities — including the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT) and, where applicable, the National Mining Corporation (SONAMINES) — together with customs.
Our current licences, permits and registrations — and anything still in progress — are listed with their status on the Licenses & Certifications page.
Compliance Desk — verify before you quote
Request our company registration, group structure, KYC pack, licence copies (as held) and sample custody records. Write to info@bvholdingsminerals.com or use the form.
Compliance questions
Can we see your due-diligence documents before we request a quote?
Yes. Compliance and procurement teams can request our company, KYC and sourcing documentation through the Compliance Desk without any commercial commitment.
Do you purchase from artisanal miners?
For gold, yes — from artisanal and small-scale sources whose identity and authorisation we verify, with each lot’s origin and custody recorded. We do not buy from unverified or unauthorised sources.
How do you handle a red flag?
Trading on the affected lot or counterparty stops while the issue is assessed. If the risk cannot be mitigated, we disengage and record the decision.
How long do you keep records?
Due-diligence, custody and transaction records are retained for at least five years.
Due diligence first, quote second — that is fine with us.
Start with our documents, or send your specification and we will include the document set with our offer.