Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Transparency within DRC Mineral Extraction Supply Chains in Senegal

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a significant producer of minerals worldwide, including gold, diamonds, and cobalt. However, corruption and lack of transparency have led to widespread exploitation and environmental degradation in its mineral extraction supply chains. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including interviews with stakeholders from government bodies, mining companies, and civil society organizations. Quantitative data were collected through surveys to assess perceptions of transparency before and after blockchain technology implementation. Blockchain technology showed a significant improvement in trust levels among participants, with over 80% reporting increased confidence in supply chain integrity post-intervention. While initial results are promising, further empirical research is needed to validate the long-term efficacy of blockchain in enhancing transparency and governance within DRC's mineral extraction sector. Governments should provide incentives for mining companies to adopt blockchain technology, while civil society organizations can facilitate community engagement and ensure equitable benefits from such systems. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.