ITRI reports that the iTSCi conflict-free mineral traceability and due diligence program continues to be rolled out in the North and South Kivu provinces of DR Congo, with the support of the government and new funding from local traders. Program activities in one mine sector, Nyabibwe in South Kivu, had been supported by donor funding of iTSCi field teams since late in 2012, but this ended in May. In a positive response to this challenge, and through commitment and tangible support from local exporters and key mineral buyers, arrangements were made not only to continue operations at Nyabibwe-Kalimbi 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 conflict-free supply chain in the Masisi region, where traceability and other supporting field assessment activities will be implemented over the next couple of weeks.

iTSCi continues to work in full co-operation with the national and local authorities of the DRC. In North and South Kivu, the iTSCi Program now includes all of the Government validated ‘green’ mine sites both in Masisi, and in Uvira – Walungu areas. Across all four Provinces of the DRC where iTSCi is implemented (Katanga, Maniema, South and North Kivu) almost 90% of Government validated mine sites are now included. In addition, a further 148, 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.