The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has initiated a partnership to advance the "Professionalizing the Artisanal Copper-Cobalt Supply Chain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo" activity. This initiative aims to pilot a model for legally and responsibly sourced artisanal cobalt mining in Lualaba province.
The collaboration involves several organizations, including the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), managed by The Impact Facility, along with Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC), Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), Gecamines, and RCS Global Group. A traceability solution is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.
This pilot project supports the DRC government's commitment to reforming and professionalizing its artisanal mining sector. USAID's contribution of $2 million will enhance EGC's capacity to lead this transformation by improving field operations and implementing standards that ensure responsible mining practices align with international norms such as the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. The goal is to develop a replicable model for artisanal mining that can be applied at other sites throughout the DRC.
Improving professionalism in the artisanal copper-cobalt sector is crucial for meeting international market standards. It ensures responsible mining practices, compliance with labor, environmental, and human rights standards, and establishes a transparent supply chain. This will allow Congolese artisanal copper-cobalt to enter global markets legally for the first time, benefiting workers, communities, stakeholders across the supply chain, and ultimately, the Congolese people.
John Dunlop, USAID/DRC Mission Director, expressed optimism about this new partnership: “I look forward to seeing this new partnership advance the shared objectives of a more resilient, equitable, and safe artisanal copper-cobalt sector in the DRC and sustainable economic growth for Lualaba province.”
USAID is recognized as a leading international development agency established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to guide U.S. government efforts in international development and humanitarian assistance.