Challenge
In response to challenges related to unregulated artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in and around its Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) concession area in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CMOC Group Limited (CMOC) wanted to proactively manage and address risks. TFM aimed to develop a response which aligned with market expectations and good practice requirements, and effectively tackled the various risk factors associated with unregulated ASM activities.
Solution
RCS’s teams conducted a comprehensive baseline study focusing on ASM risks in and around the TFM concession to identify, describe, and analyse the general conditions of ASM operations, the key actors and the impact of these activities. The baseline study laid the foundation for informed decision-making in the subsequent project phases.
Next, RCS’s teams developed TFM’s ASM policy, which was designed as a comprehensive framework articulating the company’s public commitment to the effective management of risks linked to unregulated ASM. The policy aligned with applicable national laws and regulations, OECD Guidance, and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
As a third step, RCS’s teams developed TFM’s ASM Management Plan, which provided formalised implementation procedures, contextualised risk mitigation measures, and KPIs.
To enhance the effectiveness of the ASM Management Plan, a child labour detection procedure and a stakeholder engagement procedure were also developed. Notably, the stakeholder engagement procedure was developed for the entire company, providing a unified approach to engaging with all external stakeholders.
Finally, training sessions were conducted for company managers to introduce the newly developed documents and procedures and offer guidance on their implementation.
Impact
The project results have enabled the client to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of unregulated ASM in and around the TFM concession area. They encompass data insights into the key players involved, associated risks, and impacts across four prioritised categories.
This data has since played a pivotal role in the development of internal policies and procedures tailored to the specific needs of the company.
The developed documents have allowed CMOC TFM to better navigate and mitigate ASM-related risks and serve as a foundation for collaboration with various internal units and external stakeholders.
In June 2024, CMOC TFM officially received The Copper Mark certification, recognising its responsible production practices. TFM has become the first mine in Africa to obtain this certification, underlining its commitment to high environmental, social and governance standards.
Read more:
Megan Leahy-Wright
Head of Responsible Sourcing Advisory
Manu Nguéyanouba
Head of Better Mining
