Democratic Republic of Congo
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Democratic Republic of Congo
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Contacts
Yves Bawa
country director
ybawa@pactworld.org
Noel Mondjo
program officer
nmondjo@pactworld.org
Responsible Sourcing Project
This three-year responsible mineral sourcing and artisanal mining sector formalization project is implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu Province, Masisi Territory, at tin, tungsten and tantalum (3T) artisanal mine sites. The project works to disseminate the revised 2018 DRC Mining Code and Regulations, and to educate a range of artisanal mining stakeholders on ways to improve occupational health and safety (OHS) in artisanal mining. These stakeholders include artisanal miners, traders, leaders of mining cooperatives, local government agents, Ministry of Mines staff and local communities. The project is designed and led by Pact and implemented on the ground by the local non-governmental organization BEPAT, in partnership with eight mining cooperatives and the DRC Ministry of Mines.
Mutoshi ASM Pilot Past Project
The Mutoshi ASM Pilot was a partnership of Trafigura, Chemaf and Pact for responsibly sourced cobalt in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo. This unique pilot aimed to demonstrate the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining and that it can be an ethical source of minerals.
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Pact’s project with the Responsible Business Alliance targets youth aged 15-17 working at ASM sites focusing on one branch of Pact’s child labor approach of capacitated communities by providing vocational education training to these youth. In each community, a detailed market study is undertaken to identify profitable and sustainable alternative trade sectors to mining. The selected apprentices then undergo a six-month intensive training program in a trade of their choice under the supervision of a local mentor (apprenticeship master) identified beforehand. Selected trades include: computer science, mechanics, soldering and metalwork, small animal husbandry, barbering, and tailoring. Upon graduation, support is provided for business start-up including initial start-up equipment, funding and entrepreneurial trainings.
ASM Cobalt Formalization and Responsible Sourcing
A significant portion of ASM cobalt is currently produced by informal artisanal miners. ASM provides livelihood for a large number of people in the Lualaba and Haut Katanga provinces. However, artisanal miners are currently working informally and unsupervised in very difficult conditions. Some of the main risks associated with the ASM cobalt supply chain include child labor, frequent fatal accidents, poor working conditions as well as other human rights violations. To support and formalize the ASM sector, a commercial agreement was signed between Trafigura and the Enterprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) that aims to establish and implement responsible sourcing standards at ASM cobalt sites (the EGC Responsible Sourcing Standard (“The EGC Standard”), and thus to mitigate supply chain risks and improve public perceptions of ASM cobalt. To do so, Trafigura and EGC will work with these miners and invest in their operations, rather than shut them out, leaving them without the support they need to improve their practices.
Pact is partnering with Trafigura and EGC and will be responsible for widespread training and monitoring the implementation of these standards on the ground, developing robust stakeholder engagement forums, providing technical assistance to mitigate traceability, health, safety, environment, and community risks while maintaining a permanent presence on operating sites and supporting continuous improvement of conditions for miners, ASM Cooperatives, government and other key stakeholders. A full description of Pact’s role in this project can be found in this presentation.
Formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
Working in Kolwezi, DRC, this project supports Trafigura's mineral suppliers in the development and ongoing maintenance of a responsible sourcing program. Pact assists suppliers in stakeholder consultation and awareness raising to facilitate the active and positive participation of miners, community members, community leaders, cooperatives and local authorities in the process of establishing a responsible mineral sourcing practice. Pact also completes due diligence and risk assessments as needed and supports suppliers to establish a consultation mechanism for risk management and conflict resolution, as well as a reporting mechanism for human rights abuses.
Tanganyika Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation
This project is working to reduce the incidence of conflicts between the Batwa and Baluba people by strengthening peace and reconciliation efforts in the Nyunzu, Kalemie, Manono and Kabalo communities. The project is increasing cooperation and co-existence between the Batwa and Baluba peoples, strengthening conflict mitigation mechanisms and resolution processes for peace-building, and improving livelihoods through social cohesion and collaboration.
As part of the recently awarded Phase 2, TCMR is managing a $100,000 Off-Grid Energy Challenge, which includes funding from the DRC government, to leverage private-sector investment in distributed renewable energy solutions for project participants.
The project promotes agricultural and market systems-led economic growth, builds resilience to environmental shocks through community-based natural resource management, and facilitates access to much-needed service infrastructure in target communities. Pact is introducing integrated watershed management principles, coupled with deliberate natural regeneration where possible and forest restoration where essential.
Sustainable Mine Site Validation Past Project
This project is helping to counter illegal activities such as child labor, violence and other human abuses at artisanal mine sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through a validation process, the project verifies that no armed groups are present and that the mine has the legal authority to operate. This process is the first step to ensuring minerals are sourced responsibly and conflict-free, which contributes to broader peace and stability in the region.
International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI)
Pact leads field implementation for the International Tin Association’s tin supply chain initiative (ITSCI), the region’s only internationally accepted, operational due diligence mechanism and mineral traceability system for the 3T minerals -- tungsten, tin and tantalum. The system monitors minerals from the point of extraction at mines sites to smelters, where minerals are processed for use in electronics and other everyday devices. Pact conducts mine baseline studies to assess when sites are able to enter the system and supports governments in implementing the mineral tracking system. We also ensure that international guidance for ‘conflict free’ minerals is respected, including no human rights abuses, child labor, armed conflict or corruption. Pact records incidents when they arise and facilitates their resolution. The system allows tens of thousands of miners to earn a dignified living and build a better future for themselves and their families.