ITRI and the Rwandan Geology and Mines Authority (OGMR) are pleased to announce plans to co-operate in order to implement the ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi) Phase 2 mine-to-export traceability scheme for cassiterite and other minerals produced in Rwanda. This follows the iTSCi Phase 1 document collection requirement on-going since July 2009, and the piloting of the Phase 2 process at Kalimbi in eastern DRC over the last few months.
Kay Nimmo, Manager of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at ITRI remarked “We are very pleased to be able to take this important step towards the expansion of the scheme in a country of key importance for both cassiterite production and trading. The proactive action and involvement of OGMR means the mineral business in Rwanda will have the best possible opportunity for continued development and access to international markets”.
Michael Biryabarema, Director of OGMR commented “The recently agreed US ‘conflict minerals’ Bill presents many challenges to African mining and mineral trading businesses, not least the implementation of full and complex due diligence procedures that have not yet been prescribed in detail by relevant authorities. The iTSCi scheme can assist in mitigating the impacts of such regulation by meeting the anticipated requirements as far as possible within the exceedingly short timescales for compliance available to industry and national Governments alike”.
The first site to adopt the iTSCi process will be Rutongo Mines Ltd a cassiterite mine operated by Ruddington; a major investor and the largest producer of cassiterite within Rwanda and employer of over 3000 people. The iTSCi scheme will complement work already carried out by the Rwandan authorities under the BGR (Certified Trading Chain; CTC) project at a number of larger sites in the country.
The project has no external funding and will be resourced by ITRI, the Rwandan Government and local industry.
About ITRI:
ITRI is the world’s foremost authority on tin with over 75 years’ experience in tin related technologies. It is a membership based organisation representing major tin producers and smelters and is the premier source of tin related information. ITRI has specialist knowledge of tin use in all the major sectors as well as groups responsible for technology, statistical and market information, regulatory affairs and sustainability. It provides links to the main tin consuming sectors through a substantial network of industry contacts. The organisation hosts seminars, conferences and industry-specific group meetings. It also provides marketing and technical support to its members and the tin industry in general. Further information can be obtained from ITRI (http://www.itri.co.uk)
About the ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi):
iTSCi is a project seeking to achieve improved supply chain engagement and due diligence and traceability. It includes the following 3 Phases;
1. Establishing harmonised document requirements for export shipments from DRC including written declarations confirming the lack of involvement of illegal armed groups in the upstream supply chain.
2. Developing and implementing a system to ensure mineral traceability from mine site to exporter and to develop chain of custody and field data.
3. Implementing basic performance standard measurement of social and environmental factors at mine sites and to consider incentives and methods for improvements
iTSCi has received support from many relevant industry stakeholders and associations, please see; http://www.itri.co.uk/pooled/articles/BF_NEWSART/view.asp?Q=BF_NEWSART_318425
About OGMR:
OGMR is the Rwandan National Geology and Mines Authority established by law No 25/06/2007 is referred to as “Office de la Géologie et des Mines au Rwanda”, abbreviated as OGMR in French. OGMR has a legal status, administrative and financial autonomy and is governed in accordance with laws governing organs of public service. OGMR is supervised by the Ministry of Forestry and Mines (MINIFOM). Please see the website for further information; http://www.ogmr.minirena.gov.rw/
