ITRI members are committed to the social and economic development of sustainable communities associated with the operations, and have made significant contributions through financial supports and community development programmes. By assisting in education and health care, promoting local employment and infrastructure, providing training opportunities and giving preference to purchases of local goods and services, tin producers are determined to maintain and improve their social responsibility and engagement.

Almost all (~97%) of the worlds primary refined tin arises and is mined in emerging and developing countries¹ and in a typical year around half of that has its origins in artisinal and small scale mining (ASM)². Although the exact numbers are not known, it is likely that small scale production of tin helps to provide economic opportunities for several thousands of individuals, sometimes in the world’s most vulnerable areas. On the other hand, ASM production also raises particular challenges which are the subject of the ITRI Policy Statement on Artisinal and Small Scale Production of Tin.

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

[1] Country definition of International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook, April 2008
[2] In 2007, 51.2% of mine production arose from small operations (ITRI estimate)