Having completed a full statistical review for the first half of 2014, ITRI is extremely pleased to announce that 99% of tin mineral exports from the central African region during the first half of 2014 were traded within the iTSCi Programme; traceable, conflict-free and by member companies following the recommendations of the OECD guidance on due diligence for responsible mineral trade. Our analysis compared official exports from the main producing countries of DRC, Rwanda and Burundi with iTSCi export tonnages, and also compared imports into the leading purchasing countries (such as Malaysia, China, Thailand, Russia and India) reported to be from a wider range of central African countries (for example Tanzania, Kenya and other nearby countries). The remarkable figure of 99% coverage by iTSCi in first half 2014 is confirmed by both comparisons. This percentage is expected to remain similar when full year data becomes available, especially since official exports from the DRC itself are now closely controlled by the Government body, the CEEC, and unreported production from the region appears to be extremely low. Detailed information is available here
This remarkable achievement has been achieved in less than four years through the exceptional dedication of all staff, partners and advisors involved in the iTSCi Programme such as ITRI, Pact, Synergy Global Consulting, Envirosense and TIC, as well as the continued commitment and co-operation of the Governments and local authorities of the region, private sector iTSCi member companies locally and worldwide, miners and their communities and other stakeholders who participate in risk mitigation discussions.
While iTSCi has included five new areas since early 2014 which are beginning to contribute increasing tonnages, this has been a significant financial challenge to upstream industry funds, the availability of which remains the limiting factor or roadblock in the speed of extension. The Programme intends to continue roll out to key areas still under de-facto embargo but, as emphasized previously, this could be achieved more rapidly with funding support from donors or contributors from other parts of the supply chain.