ITSCI and TPV Technology announce new a collaboration to improve safety, security, and gender equity in the artisanal mining sector
MMD-Monitors & Displays B.V. (MMD), as TPV’s sister company, is pleased to announce a new collaboration with ITSCI Associate Member, TPV Technology Ltd (TPV), aimed at enhancing safety, security, and gender equity within the artisanal mining sector. This collaboration builds upon the groundwork laid by MMD in partnership with ITSCI’s former Field Operator, Pact. MMD’s support adds fresh dimensions to the ITSCI Programme, contributing to the social value and promoting responsible sourcing practices in the tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3T) sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The project’s multiple components will be implemented in the North and South Kivu Provinces. In conflict-affected and high-risk areas, risks related to human rights and security may arise due to a lack of knowledge about legal instruments, protections, and responsibilities in the mining sector. To mitigate this, ITSCI will train local stakeholders on local laws and regulations, most notably the DRC Mining Code. This will benefit artisanal miners, state mining services, public security forces, and local community members whilst also increasing their understanding of their rights and enhancing governance of the mining sector overall. The project will particularly address the topic of gender challenges in mining, including women’s rights and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. Recognising the significant contribution made by women to artisanal and small-scale mining, ITSCI will implement awareness-raising activities to promote and enhance women’s empowerment in the sector.
The project further focuses on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks which are prevalent in artisanal and small-scale mining. Many of these risks can have significant human, social, and economic impacts but can often be avoided through safer mining practices. ITSCI will conduct multiple trainings on OHS in mining for artisanal miners, cooperatives, and state services and will work with them to jointly support risk monitoring and mitigation at ITSCI monitored sites
When accidents in mining do occur, they can result in long-term disabilities, leading to artisanal miners being unable to work, thus facing economic loss as well as pain, stigma, and marginalisation as well as far-reaching impacts on their families. There is, however, a lack of data on this topic, therefore, an additional component of the project will conduct research on the prevalence of disability affecting artisanal miners to understand their needs and challenges and inform possible future interventions.
According to Mickaël Daudin, ITSCI Programme Manager: “TPV’s commitment to these activities builds on the work ITSCI has been supporting on the ground over the last 15 years. This project leverages ITSCI’s presence in-country and the trust built through partnership over years of regular engagement with artisanal mining communities, state services, and government. This partnership supports due diligence efforts and contributes to enhancing governance in the mining sector.”
Stefan van Sabben, Global Director CSR and Sustainability at TPV added: “We have been a member of ITSCI since February 2023 and, at the end of the year, we deepened our collaboration by supporting this project. We are excited and confident that as supply chain partners we can contribute to better governance, strengthened human rights, and improved stability. ITSCI has the right network and experience to create more awareness of the new DRC Mining Code but also to give the necessary OHS training. The new activities including the support of women-owned mining and mineral operations, and awareness-raising on gender, along with the research on disabilities, will lead to a more inclusive workforce with safer boundaries and better returns.”
For more information, please contact:
Mickaël Daudin, ITSCI Programme Manager mickael.daudin@internationaltin.org
About ITSCI
The International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) is a joint industry traceability and due diligence programme supporting companies and government partners in their due diligence efforts. ITSCI works extensively on the ground in central Africa hand in hand with government services, international and local NGOs to deliver capacity building and improve governance, and with the international supply chain, to help large and small companies carry out effective due diligence in line with the OECD recommendations. The ITSCI Programme was independently assessed as ‘Fully Aligned’ with the OECD Guidance. It is currently implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. ITSCI is operated at cost by not-for-profit associations, and all revenues are held in trust for sole use for programme activities.