Diversified miner Eurasian Resources Group’s (ERG’s) Metalkol operation, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially begun the Copper Mark assurance process, in line with a letter of commitment signed by Metalkol and the Copper Mark on September 12.

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 based on third-party assessments by approved assessors that will verify whether Metalkol meets the requirements for responsible production practices.

Undertaking the assurance process is meant to verify 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 (OECD’s) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals.

“Metalkol [is] 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,” Copper Mark executive director Michèle Brülhart said on October 15.

ERG Africa CEO Nicolas Treand added that the acceptance of Metalkol’s application into the Copper Mark assurance process was a significant milestone for ERG in Africa and the ERG group as a whole.

“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,” he said.

Achieving the Copper Mark award will align with ERG Africa’s sustainable production commitments, outlined in its Clean Cobalt and Copper Framework.

The framework, which was initially 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.

The seven goals outlined in the framework are achieved through a comprehensive set of management systems, processes, controls and investments designed to comply with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. The framework is independently assured yearly by auditing firm PwC.

The framework also commits Metalkol to the Responsible Mineral Initiative’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process for which it is already certified.

The Copper Mark requirements cover all material environmental, social and governance issues. Copper producers that achieve the Copper Mark certification will automatically meet the London Metal Exchange’s three responsible sourcing requirements. These include sourcing management systems, environmental management systems and occupational health and safety management systems.