Metalkol, a facility wholly owned by Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), has officially commenced The Copper Mark assurance process.

Undertaking the assurance process reflects Metalkol’s commitment to upholding responsible and sustainable practices, in line with the principles and goals stated in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals. This is according to a letter of commitment signed by Metalkol and The Copper Mark on September 12, 2024.

The Copper Mark is a leading assurance framework launched in 2020 to address growing international demand for the responsible sourcing and production of minerals, promoting best practice across the copper, nickel, molybdenum and zinc value chains. The assurance process is a voluntary, transparent and independent award based on third-party assessments by approved assessors that will verify that Metalkol meets the requirements for responsible production practices, the companies say.

Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of the Copper Mark, said: “We welcome Metalkol as the first tailings reprocessing site to commit to the Copper Mark assurance process. Reprocessing of mine waste is an important part of ensuring responsible production both in terms of minimising the site’s long-term impact, and maximising its efficiency.”

Nicolas Treand, CEO of ERG Africa, said: “The acceptance of our application into The Copper Mark assurance process is a significant milestone for both ERG in Africa and the whole group. Undergoing this assurance process reflects our commitment to adhere to the highest sustainability standards and contribute to the responsible development of the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is essential for the future of the country and its people.”

Achieving The Copper Mark award will align with ERG Africa’s sustainable production commitments, outlined in its Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework. The Framework, first introduced in 2018 as the ‘Clean Cobalt Framework’, and extended to include copper in 2021, aims to ensure high standards of responsible cobalt and copper production, value chain assurance and improved living conditions for local communities near ERG Africa’s operations. The seven goals outlined in the framework are achieved through a comprehensive set of management systems, processes, controls and investments designed to comply with, and go beyond, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. The framework is independently assured annually by PwC.

The framework also commits Metalkol to the Responsible Mineral Initiative’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process for which it is already annually certified.

The Copper Mark requirements cover all material environmental, social and governance issues. Copper producers who achieve The Copper Mark certification will automatically meet the London Metal Exchange’s three responsible sourcing requirements. These include sourcing management systems, environmental management systems and occupational health and safety management systems.