Kumi to support Trafigura with a transformational programme to bring responsibly sourced cobalt from the DRC to market

The trading agreement that Trafigura has signed with Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) will transform the artisanal and small-scale cobalt mining sector in the country.

Kumi will bring its deep understanding of supply chain due diligence to assure that OECD responsible sourcing standards are upheld.

23 November 2020, London: Kumi, a market leader in responsible sourcing practices in global supply chains, will support Trafigura and its partners in bringing responsibly sourced cobalt from artisanal and small-scale mines (ASM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to market.

“Kumi has long-held the belief that incorporating responsibly sourced minerals from ASM into global supply chains is possible and is the right thing to do. We welcome this announcement and are excited at the prospect of supporting Trafigura’s agreement with EGC,” said Andrew Britton, Managing Director at Kumi. “Our approach to assurance is aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains incorporating both responsible sourcing and broader health, safety, environment, labour and community relations aspects.”

Kumi has already been working with Trafigura for several years supporting the company to develop and implement its responsible sourcing approach for the company’s minerals supply chains. This includes advising on the responsible integration of ASM operations, including at the Chemaf-owned Mutoshi project in Kolwezi, DRC.

“Like Trafigura we firmly believe that incorporating responsibly sourced ASM material into global supply chains creates a real opportunity to provide a socio-economic uplift for artisanal miners, their families and their communities. This is important to Kumi and an area where we can bring further expertise to support Trafigura, Pact and the other partners working with EGC on this programme,” added Britton.

You can find out more about the trading agreement in Trafigura’s press release and in the video below:

Kumi provides strategy advice, management support, due diligence and compliance services for social and environmental performance within global supply chains. If you would like to find out more about how we can support you, please get in contact with us.