RCS Global & Responsible Minerals Institute expand Better Mining artisanal mine monitoring program

RCS Global Group and Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) have expanded Better Mining’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mine (ASM) program to include additional cobalt and copper mine sites in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced.

 The expansion begins with the immediate addition of a mining site near Likasi, followed by a fifth site currently under evaluation. Better Mining and the RMI plan to scale the program to 12 locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by 2023.

The agreement marks the next phase in the expansion of the Better Mining program, which is seen as a key pillar in the formalization of ASM mining and the eventual acceptance of ASM material in global metal markets.

It was also agreed to extend Better Mining’s partnership with Huayou Cobalt, China’s largest cobalt refiner, to monitor the Kasulo and Kamilombe mining sites for at least two more years. The expansion will include partnerships to implement local improvement measures.

 In addition, Better Mining has announced that it will coordinate its efforts with the Fair Cobalt Alliance, a supply chain action platform founded by Huayou Cobalt, Fairphone, Signify, and the Impact Facility, which is starting its technical work to improve working conditions in artisanal mining websites informed by Better Mining data.

The expansion of the partnership with Huayou Cobalt and the expansion to additional locations, which will be implemented at locations for cobalt, copper and 3TG ASM in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the latest positive milestone for the Better Mining program, which is being promoted by key market players such as Volvo Cars and other downstream brands are actively supported.

Better Mining continuously evaluates and monitors risks and impacts on ASM mining sites in accordance with the OECD guidelines on due diligence and other criteria for responsible sourcing. The data is supplied by agents who are permanently stationed at mine sites and are equipped with mobile digital monitoring tools.

At the same time as supporting the expansion of the Better Mining Program, the RMI is also working with stakeholders to define market acceptance for responsibly produced ASM cobalt, and ensure those expectations are integrated into standards applicable to cobalt producers and refiners as well as embedded in guidance and processes applicable to downstream companies. Cobalt supply chain actors can benefit from the presence of independent monitoring and the resulting data at ASM sites to assist with their responsible procurement decisions.

Bryce Lee, Director of CSR at Huayou Cobalt commented: “Huayou Cobalt remains committed to supporting the development of a formalised ASM cobalt sector in the DRC where miners who are dependent on this work for their livelihoods can work safely and securely. Our collaboration with Better Mining is one of the key pillars in this mission, we look forward to continuing our engagement with the program.”

Leah Butler, Vice President, and Responsible Business Alliance said: “The RMI is committed to supporting responsible ASM cobalt production so that it is recognized by the market and contributes positively to local communities. The independent site monitoring and services provided by Better Mining is a crucial component of this process that we are pleased to reporting scale with the support of RMI members and other stakeholders.”

RCS Global Group Managing Director, Ferdinand Maubrey added: “Huayou Cobalt was one of our foundational partners when Better Mining began in 2018. Two years on, we are delighted that the company will continue to support our work in improving the ASM cobalt sector. Supporting formalization of ASM in the DRC and allowing for a way for responsibly produced ASM cobalt to enter international supply chains will ensure that the livelihoods of the people dependent on ASM is maintained while respecting human  rights and implementing better practice. We are grateful for the support of key supply chain actors to continue on this journey.”