1. Introduction

AFRICA GOLD respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), No. 4 of 2013, and other applicable laws of the Republic of South Africa. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website africagold.global, submit an inquiry, or engage with our mineral trading services.

2. Responsible Party

AFRICA GOLD is a mineral trading operation based in the Republic of South Africa. We act as the Responsible Party under POPIA for all personal information processed through our activities. Our principal place of business is in South Africa, and we are accountable for compliance with South African data protection law.

3. Information We Collect

We collect only the personal information necessary for legitimate business purposes, including:

Contact details: Name, email address, telephone number, company name, job title
Inquiry data: Mineral type (e.g., gold, copper), origin interest, volume requirements, compliance questions
Verification data: If a transaction proceeds, we may collect identity documents, company registration details, and banking information for due diligence
Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information (collected via cookies during website visits)

We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under the age of 18.

4. How We Collect Information

Personal information is collected through:

Direct submission via our website contact forms or email (e.g., sales@africagold.global)
Telephone, video, or in-person discussions during field verification or trade negotiations
Automated means (cookies) when you browse our website
Third parties (e.g., logistics partners, assay laboratories) only with your knowledge and for specified purposes

5. Purpose of Processing

We process your personal information only for specific, lawful purposes, including:

Responding to your inquiries about mineral supply, verification, or export services
Conducting due diligence and compliance checks (e.g., anti-money laundering, sanctions screening)
Facilitating communication regarding potential or active shipments
Complying with South African and international legal obligations (e.g., customs declarations, EUDR reporting)
Managing our commercial relationship with you as a client or prospective buyer

We will not use your information for direct marketing unless you explicitly consent.

6. Legal Basis for Processing (Under POPIA)

Our processing is lawful because it satisfies one or more conditions under POPIA, including:

Consent: Where you have voluntarily provided information via our website or email
Contractual necessity: To take steps at your request prior to entering into a formal agreement
Legal obligation: To comply with South African or foreign regulatory requirements (e.g., financial intelligence reporting)
Legitimate interest: Our legitimate interest in operating a professional mineral trading business, provided your rights are not overridden

7. Sharing of Personal Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share it only when necessary, lawful, and proportionate, with:

Licensed mines and cooperatives (to coordinate on-site verification)
Accredited independent laboratories (for assay and certification)
Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and port authorities (to manage export logistics)
Legal, compliance, or financial advisors (to meet regulatory obligations)
Government or regulatory bodies (if required by law in South Africa or destination countries)

All recipients are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations.

8. International Data Transfers

As part of our global trade operations, we may transfer your personal information outside South Africa (e.g., to refiners in the UAE, EU, USA, or China). Such transfers occur only when:

You have provided informed consent, or
It is necessary for the performance of a contract with you, or
The recipient country provides an adequate level of protection, or
Appropriate safeguards (e.g., binding contractual clauses) are implemented

You may request further details about such transfers by contacting us.

9. Data Security and Retention

We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure. These include secure digital storage, access controls, staff training, and physical security at operational sites.
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary:

For active clients: duration of the business relationship plus statutory retention periods (e.g., 5 years under South African tax and financial laws)
For prospects: up to 24 months from last contact, unless you request earlier deletion

10. Your Rights Under POPIA

In accordance with POPIA, you have the right to:

Request access to the personal information we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information
Object to processing based on legitimate interest
Withdraw consent (where processing relies on consent)
Request deletion of your information, where no legal or contractual obligation requires retention

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@africagold.global. We will respond within 30 days, as required by POPIA.

11. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses essential cookies to enable core functionality (e.g., form submissions, session management). These cookies do not track your behaviour across other sites. You can disable cookies via your browser settings, though this may limit website functionality.

12. Children’s Information

We do not knowingly collect or process personal information from children under 18 years of age. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information without delay.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. The revised policy will be published on this page with an updated “Last Revised” date. Continued use of our website constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Privacy Policy