Improving security, social cohesion and human rights in conflict mineral rich regions of Eastern DRC (Madini kwa Amani na mahendeleo)

Poor governance of the mining sector continues to be one of the major factors contributing to conflict in eastern DRC. Four key minerals sit at the centre of this conflict, namely gold and the 3Ts - tin, tungsten and tantalum. In the context of South Kivu and Ituri, these minerals are considered conflict minerals”; the extraction and trade of which contribute to conflict and human rights abuses. They are found in largely isolated, highly unstable areas, where state presence is weak, and Mai Mai and other armed groups operate. Under the current Congolese Government classification system , areas that have a high presence of armed groups and military operations are considered more vulnerable to human rights abuse and are classified as either “yellow” or “red” zone. In 2018, of the 821 sites where 3T or gold was found in South Kivu, 75% of sites were classified as being either yellow or red . Undertaking due diligence on supply chains in accordance with the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act is extremely difficult to implement in eastern DRC. Gold and 3T products are found in many consumer products; despite responsible sourcing initiatives, such as the Responsible Mineral Initiative, the World Gold Council’s Conflict-Free Gold Standard, and EPRM , studies suggest that major companies such as Amazon and Sony continue to use gold from uncertified mines in eastern DRC , indicating that conflict minerals are still making their way into major global value chains.