ITRI, the international tin industry association, has recently completed a strategic review of its activities and is pleased to announce that both ITRI and its members have strengthened their commitment to the development of a modern, responsible and sustainable global tin industry.
This has been enhanced through a new funding structure for ITRI, the continuation of regional activities through the ITRI China office based in Beijing, and a commitment to drive the progressive improvement of industry standards via a proposed new industry Code of Conduct.
An important and positive change is that Chinese support for ITRI has increased significantly and is very strong. Mr Gao Wenxiang, the General Manager of Yunnan Tin Corporation (YTC), the largest tin producer in the world, was recently elected as ITRI’s Chairman. ITRI will hold a China-International Tin Forum and its next Board meeting in Shanghai between 18th – 21st May, with YTC as principal sponsor.
Coincident with the new structure, ITRI is pleased to announce that Rahman Hydraulic Tin (Malaysia), Bluestone Mines Tasmania (Australia), and Mineração Taboca (Brazil) have all taken the opportunity to join ITRI and participate in future activities. It is also regrettable that in the present circumstances P.T. Timah is unable to maintain its ITRI membership.
David Bishop, the CEO of ITRI is very positive about these developments: “The organisation now has a new energy and direction with an even stronger membership group fully committed to dealing with the challenges we face in developing and promoting a sustainable industry.”
ITRI has been at the forefront of supply chain programmes in the last few years and recognises the need for consumers to be confident with the operational standards of the industry. ITRI members have also recently agreed to participate in, and support, the development of an industry Code of Conduct. Work on this project will start in the coming months. It will assist tin users and consumers to differentiate between suppliers, and make purchasing decisions that take into account environmental and social performance.
David Bishop further commented: “The ITRI Board feels a strong sense of unity over the goals and objectives of the organisation and in building a long term sustainable tin industry. The Code of Conduct provides a strong statement about the future industry direction and we believe this will set new standards and encourage tin companies to join ITRI in embracing best practice.”
ITRI Members:
Bluestone Mines Tasmania JV Pty
Fenix Metals
Global Advanced Minerals Pty Ltd.
Malaysia Smelting Corporation Bhd
Metallo-Chimique N.V.
Mineração Taboca S/A
Minsur S.A.
Operaciones Metalúrgicas SA (OMSA)
Rahman Hydraulic Tin Sdn Bhd
Thailand Smelting & Refining Company Limited
Yunnan Tin Corporation
