Eurasian Resources Group’s (ERG) Metalkol operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially entered the Copper Mark assurance process, following a letter of commitment signed on September 12.
The Copper Mark, an assurance framework launched in 2020, is aimed at promoting responsible mineral sourcing and production across the copper, nickel, molybdenum, and zinc value chains.
The assurance process is voluntary, transparent, and independent, involving third-party assessments by approved assessors. These evaluations will verify whether Metalkol meets the stringent requirements for responsible production practices.
By participating in this process, Metalkol seeks to demonstrate its adherence to sustainable and responsible practices in line with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals.
“Metalkol is the first tailings reprocessing site to commit to the Copper Mark assurance process,” said Copper Mark Executive Director Michèle Brülhart on October 15. “Reprocessing mine waste is crucial for minimizing long-term site impacts and maximizing production efficiency.”
ERG Africa CEO Nicolas Treand called the acceptance of Metalkol into the Copper Mark program a significant milestone for ERG in Africa and the wider ERG group.
“This process underscores our dedication to the highest sustainability standards and contributes to the responsible development of the DRC’s mining sector, which is vital to the country’s future.”
Achieving the Copper Mark certification aligns with ERG Africa’s broader sustainability efforts, as outlined in its Clean Cobalt and Copper Framework.
Initially launched in 2018 as the Clean Cobalt Framework and expanded to include copper in 2021, the initiative promotes responsible production, supply chain assurance, and improved living conditions for local communities.
The framework is independently verified annually by PwC and is designed to comply with OECD due diligence standards. It also commits Metalkol to the Responsible Mineral Initiative’s certification process, for which it is already certified.
The Copper Mark covers a wide range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Once certified, copper producers automatically meet the London Metal Exchange’s responsible sourcing standards, which include environmental management, sourcing management, and occupational health and safety systems.
