The responsible mineral supply chain monitored by ITSCI supports metal users to source responsibly and avoid total disengagement from high risk areas.

ITSCI brings companies together to work constructively, ensuring efficiency by avoiding duplication and correctly managing the extensive information generated – resulting in cost savings throughout the supply chain, and avoiding potential issues relating to anti-trust/competition rules.

ITSCI has membership categories for both upstream and downstream companies.

Full Membership – for upstream companies

ITSCI assists upstream companies, from mine to smelter, to conform to the OECD Guidance at a practical level. ITSCI is designed to support any mine or company, whether artisanal, small-scale, or industrial mines, disregarding of their size, activity level, or remoteness.

Associate Membership – for downstream companies

ITSCI also supports compliance with the US Dodd Frank law, section 1502 on conflict minerals, in relation to the Rules published by the SEC. ITSCI Associate Members support the good-faith efforts of the upstream sector in advancing responsible sourcing practices and strenghtening collaborative efforts to improve engagement in Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. Associate Members can also play a crucial role in fostering sustainable development within local mining communities.

When an upstream company applies to join ITSCI, they have to provide information which helps us understand the structure of the company, their ownership and management, and the extent of their previous involvement in trading in high risk areas. The applicant also submits their conflict mineral policy and any due diligence plan (as part of their supply chain policy) and tells us where they expect to buy minerals and how they might manage their suppliers. This information is important and relevant for OECD Due Diligence Guidance Step 1.

Once sufficient information is provided by the applicant, the company’s information is verified and the company might be asked additional questions. A brief description of the company and its management systems and plans is produced, as well as some recommendations on how the company might improve its implementation of due diligence.

Once the application of the company is approved and they become a Full Accepted member of ITSCI this summary is published here. Not all applicants are successful, and not all members will remain with us over time. ITSCI may suspend or expel companies from membership if they do not implement adequate due diligence or otherwise break their commitment to ITSCI procedures.