Metalkol, a facility wholly owned by Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), has announced its official participation in The Copper Mark assurance process.
This step reflects Metalkol’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices, in alignment with the principles of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals, as outlined in a letter of commitment signed by Metalkol and The Copper Mark on September 12, 2024.
The Copper Mark, established in 2020, is a leading assurance framework that addresses the growing demand for responsible mineral sourcing and production. It promotes best practices across the copper, nickel, molybdenum, and zinc value chains. The assurance process is voluntary, transparent, and independently verified through third-party assessments, ensuring that Metalkol adheres to responsible production standards.
Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of The Copper Mark, welcomed Metalkol as the first tailings reprocessing site to join the assurance process, highlighting the importance of reprocessing mine waste in reducing environmental impact and increasing operational efficiency.
Nicolas Treand, CEO of ERG Africa, emphasized that this milestone reflects ERG’s commitment to sustainability and responsible mining practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, contributing to the long-term development of the country and its people.
Achieving The Copper Mark will support ERG Africa’s sustainable production goals outlined in its Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework. Initially launched in 2018 as the ‘Clean Cobalt Framework’ and expanded to include copper in 2021, the framework ensures high standards for responsible production, value chain assurance, and improved living conditions for local communities near ERG Africa’s operations. The framework is independently audited annually by PwC and includes Metalkol’s commitment to the Responsible Mineral Initiative’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP), for which it is already certified annually.