DRC tailings site starts Copper Mark assurance process

Diversified natural resources producer Eurasian Resources Group’s (ERG’s) Metalkol tailings reprocessing site, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has officially started The Copper Mark assurance process, which ERG says “reinforces its commitment to sustainable development”.

The Copper Mark is an 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 that is based on third-party assessments by approved assessors to verify that applicants, such as Metalkol, meet the requirements for responsible production practices.

Copper producers who achieve The Copper Mark certification will automatically meet the London Metal Exchange’s (LME’s) three responsible sourcing requirements, including sourcing management systems, environmental management systems and occupational health and safety management systems.

Undertaking the assurance process reflects Metalkol’s commitment to upholding responsible and sustainable practices, in line with the principles and goals stated in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals, the company said in a letter of commitment, signed by Metalkol and The Copper Mark, in September this year.

The Copper Mark executive director Michèle Brülhart welcomed 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,” added Brülhart.

ERG Africa CEO Nicholas Treand noted that the acceptance of the application into The Copper Mark assurance process is a significant milestone for both ERG in Africa and the entire 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 DRC, which is essential for the future of the country and its people,” added Treand.

The Copper Mark requirements cover all material environmental, social and governance issues, and achieving The Copper Mark award will also align with ERG Africa’s sustainable production commitments, as 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.

More About Metalkol

Metalkol, in the Kolwezi area of the DRC, comprises two legacy tailings deposits hosting about 110-million tonnes of reserves. In 2020, Metalkol reached full Phase 1 production capacity and completed Phase 2 construction, with the additional plant increasing its production.

In 2021, Metalkol achieved its design capacity for cobalt production and exceeded budget production for both its products, producing 20 718 t of cobalt and 94 807 t of copper.

As such, Metalkol is a significant cobalt producer, according to ERG, which adds that, unlike conventional mining operations which extract primary ore, at Metalkol RTR legacy copper/cobalt tailings are reclaimed and reprocessed.

Since the 1950s previous operators have been releasing these tailings into the environment (including into the Musonoi river). Over the decades, this waste material has accumulated into one of the largest tailings deposits in the world and continues to cause water and dust pollution.

“This presents a unique opportunity for us to go beyond ‘do no harm’ and to progressively address the extensive legacy of environmental degradation and pollution while improving the quality of life of local communities,” the company said.