The World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002 made it clear that mining and metals production could contribute effectively to sustainable development through sustainable mining practices and through sustainable consumption and production of metal resources.

Further information is available on these themes;

Sustainable Mining

Tin mining and metals production has been a key driver in the initial economic and social development of many countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. However, there are a number of well-documented challenges associated with translating mineral wealth into national wealth which face all mineral extraction industries, as well as particular challenges associated with the important contribution of artisinal and small scale mining to tin production. ITRI aims to work towards a sustainable tin mining industry.

Our activity currently focuses on cassiterite from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Tin supply from the DRC

Tin Production

Tin is one of the oldest metals known to man. Primary metal is currently produced almost entirely from SnO2 from both vein and placer deposits located in for example, , and South America . Recycled secondary tin is also produced in other locations.

Lifecycle Inventory (LCI)

The tin industry recognises the importance of Life Cycle Thinking and is anxious to improve the reliability of available tin LCI information in order to help improve the quality of future LCA assessments on tin containing products. ITRI is currently developing an LCI database which it is hoped will allow more representative industry data to be presented.

For further information please contact: kay.nimmo@itri.co.uk