CASE STUDIES
Advising a DRC-based cobalt producer on RMAP compliance
Advising a DRC-based cobalt producer on RMAP compliance
Kumi supported a DRC-based cobalt and copper mining company to address gaps in the company’s management system and processes that were identified during a third party audit against the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) cobalt assurance standard.
The RMI’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) for cobalt was introduced in late 2018. Its aim is to provide a recognised audit framework for cobalt refiners that is aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and also the Chinese Due Diligence Guidelines for Mineral Supply Chains that were developed by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC).
Kumi helped the cobalt producer to address non-conformances in its supplier due diligence management system and processes
A downstream automotive manufacturer had requested that the mining company undergo a RMAP cobalt audit as the company had been identified by the automotive manufacturer as being in its cobalt supply chain. The mining company was audited against the pilot RMAP Cobalt Standard and several non-conformances were identified in relation to its supplier due diligence management system and processes. Kumi was commissioned to support the company in implementing its Corrective Action Plan.
Kumi’s responsible sourcing consultants’ support to the mining company included:
- A desk-based review of audit findings and teleconference discussions to support the management team in understanding the actions needed to address the audit non-conformances.
- Development of management system policies, procedures and training materials.
- A site visit to the company’s operations and those of third party suppliers of cobalt in the DRC to review and test the procedures that had been developed.
- Drafting of content to support the company’s external reporting.
- Guidance on responding to queries during the follow-up audit.
