Conflict free mines in the Kivu’s continue to grow within iTSCi

The iTSCi Programme has added more new areas in the Kivu’s representing another key step forward in the continuing extension and scaling up of this uniquely successful conflict-free mineral traceability and due diligence industry programme. Programme activities at one mine in Nyabibwe, South Kivu, had been supported by donor funding of iTSCi field teams since late in 2012; an activity that was a critical component of the Conflict Free Tin Initiative (CFTI). However, with the end of this funding in May 2014, iTSCi was faced with a difficult challenge to continue the support the work that has become vital to local business and related stakeholders. In a positive response, and through commitment and tangible support from local exporters and key mineral buyers, arrangements have been made to not only continue operations at Nyabibwe but extend the coverage of iTSCi in South Kivu to areas further south in Uvira-Walungu starting in July. More recently, with further support from industry in North Kivu, yet more important production areas have been included in the Masisi region. With these two new developments the iTSCi Programme has demonstrated the continued capacity of a credible joint industry programme to bring new opportunities to local communities through resumption of international trade of conflict-free DRC minerals. In North and South Kivu, iTSCi now includes all of the Government validated ‘green’ mine sites both in Masisi, and in Uvira – Walungu areas, and almost 90% of validated sites across all four Provinces where iTSCi is implemented (Katanga, Maniema, South and North Kivu). In addition, another ~150, an almost equivalent number, of yet to be validated conflict-free mines are supported within the iTSCi Programme, all of which have been visited and are continually monitored to ensure required standards are maintained.