As a first step in our activities relating to artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) ITRI developed a policy which outlines our general approach to the issues of that sector. This approach takes into account differing local conditions across the global cassiterite sector, which are all included in the policy document in a broad manner.

ITRI Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Policy (English/French)

Specific detail on individual regions is considered as we begin to develop specific local projects or activities. For example, our priority focus is on the cassiterite trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). General background information on the DRC was obtained from a wide range of relevant reports which are summarised in a document that should be read in association with our first policy statement on artisanal and small scale mining above.

ITRI Background Information Sheet: Cassiterite Production and Trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (English/French)

Further documents have since been produced. The first, a general ‘action plan’ considered what activities may or may not be possible to support the cassiterite trade in the DRC in both the short and the long term.

Action plan: Towards a Responsible Cassiterite Supply Chain – Improved Due Diligence and steps towards Voluntary Industry Declarations or Audited Certification (English/French)

A brief progress report describing actions to February 2009 has also been made available.

ITRI Statement of Progress: Towards a Responsible Cassiterite Supply Chain (February 2009) (English/French)

The ITRI Working Group (ITRI, Thaisarco/AMC, MSC and Traxys as invited experts) has since been working hard to develop suggestions for a phased and constructive approach towards improved due diligence, governance and traceability within the cassiterite supply chain in the DRC. This ITRI Supply Chain Initiative ‘iTSCi’ foresees 3 phases of activity which relate to actions for short, medium and long term projects. An overview of the 3 phase approach can be found in a press release from 10 July 2009;

DRC Tin Supply Chain Initiative (July 2009) (English/French)

Implementation of Phase 1 was carried out on 1st July 2009. Details can be found in the full discussion document. 

ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative - iTSCi (English/French)

The latest iTSCi suppliers list is dated 28th February 2010. However, since only one iTSCi smelter continues purchasing cassiterite from the DRC it is not possible to produce an aggregated supplier list and the document remains unpublished for reasons of commercial confidentiality. Publication of supplier lists will be resumed if more trading patterns return.

Further information will become available in due course as further progress is made.

The iTSCi process is supported by a number of Key stakeholders

Letter of co-operation from DRC Ministry of Mines - 8 Oct 2009 (English/French)

DRC Ministry of Mines press release of meeting on 6th October 2009 with experts from ITRI, from MONUC (Mission of the United Nations in Congo) and with a number of different services from the Ministry of Mines on the subject of ITRI’s tin supply chain initiative (English/French).

The joint electronics industry extractives workgroup, a key group of major downstream users of tin, (EICC & GeSI Support the ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative). 

APEAL letter of support from the European steel packaging industry.

TIC (Tantulum and Niobium Information Centre) letter of support.

Since the start of the project various factors have unfortunately led to the withdrawal of major players from the market.

AMC Press Release 18 Sep 2009 (English/French)

TRAXYS Press Release 11 May 2009 (English)

ITRI Statement regarding the final UN Group of Experts report S/2009/603 in the DRC 9th December 2009 (English/French)

If you have any constructuve comments to make about the iTSCi process or would like to learn more about the project please send an email to: kay.nimmo@itri.co.uk

Note: Please be aware that there will not be a formal consultation process for iTSCi due to the urgent timescale for implementation.