Sources confirm the United States has slapped sanctions on a Rwandan gold refinery, while Britain tightens the noose on conflict minerals. The refinery, whose name sources have not yet confirmed, is accused of laundering blood gold from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Documents leaked to this newsroom show a trail: gold from Congolese mines, controlled by warlords, funnelled through Kigali, then onto the international market.
The UK, in a parallel move, has announced new regulations requiring importers to prove their minerals are conflict-free. This is a major blow to the shadowy networks that profit from misery. The Treasury in Washington is silent, but insiders say more sanctions are coming.
The question now: who else is on the hook?
