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SPONSORED FEATURENatural resource trading opportunitiesdrive positive changeConflict-free minerals delivered through the ITSCI supply chain initiativeWhat are ‘conflict minerals’?Many developing countries are rich in natural resources, a sectorfrom which earning and development opportunities are frequentlylost through poor management and corruption. The UN has alsohighlighted concerns over the role that mineral trade can play in fundingarmed conflict, such as from cassiterite (tin), tantalite (tantalum), wolframite(tungsten) and gold production from the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) and surrounding areas; the so called 3T&G ‘conflict minerals’. Otherorganisations also aim to encourage responsible conflict-free supply chainswith a key framework being the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for sourcingfrom high-risk and conflict areas.Co-operative action to facilitate responsible tradeSince 2010, the ITSCI supply chain initiative has rapidly developed from asmall pilot to become the foundation of conflict-free 3T mineral trade acrossthe DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. ITSCI is a voluntary private sector initiativeunderstanding the importance of global markets and open, businessfriendly trading opportunities, yet working hand in hand with governmentservices , international (Pact) and local NGOs to deliver capacity buildingand improved governance. ITSCI is a practical mechanism developed toimplement complex OECD due diligence expectations in an accessible andappropriate manner for the small businesses and artisanal miners of theAfrican mining sector. This rule-based trading environment instils confidenceand assures credibility, thus allowing conflict-free African minerals to accessinternational markets at fair prices.Delivering results locally to access global marketsITSCI has demonstrated the power of market incentive to create change inthe most challenging areas of the world. Even small miner co-operatives inthe remotest areas of central DRC have come to understand the importanceof responsible trading in order to maintain their market and earnings. Theyare playing their part in this global mechanism of information collectionand exchange, which also integrates technology into activities of localcommunities and authorities. The knowledge that wayward actions ofpolice and security forces can create ‘conflict minerals’ unacceptable tothe international market brings a new focus to local accountability andcontributes to the objective of increasing stability and peace.Trade incentive as a driver of associated changeAside from delivering responsible mineral trade and encouraging industryinvestment, ITSCI has indirectly created employment, improved earnings,created opportunities for learning, and increased professionalism. Theprogramme is also reducing illicit trade and tax evasion, as well asdiscouraging corruption and increasing mineral revenue transparency.Stakeholders, including women and civil society groups, participate inresolution of local conflicts through a committee process, producingeffective results around the mining areas as a result of the highly valuedmarket access incentive.ITSCI was developed and is managed by the global not-for-profit tin and tantalumindustry trade associations ITRI and T.I.C. www.itsci.org email: itsci@itri.co.ukITSCI is an inclusive, sustainable, multi-stakeholder programme with a track record of globalco-operation and achievement contributing to better governance, human rights and stability.The programme currently supports more than 1,000 artisanal mine sites, providing a livelihoodfor around 75,000 miners, with a likely 400,000 dependents. We welcome new donors andparticipants to help the programme expand and be part of this success.