Glencore’s two operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a joint venture with Gécamines and the DRC government, and Mutanda Mining (MUMI), in which the State holds a 5% stake—have been awarded the Copper Mark, a globally recognised certification for responsible copper production.
This achievement follows a rigorous, voluntary assurance process launched in 2024, aimed at certifying sustainable and ethical mining practices. Both KCC and MUMI are located in Lualaba province and produce copper and cobalt.
“Participating in the Copper Mark assurance process has helped us identify and address gaps in our social and environmental processes,” said Mark Davis, CEO of Glencore Copper Africa.
“The re-evaluation of our sites every three years supports our commitment to continuous improvement and delivering value to all stakeholders through our investments in the DRC.”
To qualify for the Copper Mark, both sites underwent extensive self-assessments and independent third-party audits based on 33 internationally recognised environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
The assessments were conducted under the Copper Mark’s updated Risk Readiness Assessment (RRA) 3.0, introduced in January 2024.
The new version incorporates stricter ESG standards, including enhanced requirements on climate change and circular economy practices.
A defining feature of the Copper Mark process is its transparency. Independent assessors, selected from a certified registry, conducted interviews with over 200 workers and stakeholders at both sites, without management present. The assessment outcomes are publicly available on the Copper Mark website.
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, Glencore DRC President and Chairperson of KCC, highlighted the importance of governance, particularly in areas such as business integrity, artisanal and small-scale mining, and human rights. “Our approach was positively rated in these areas, affirming our commitment to responsible mining and strengthening our credibility with supply chain partners and the wider industry,” she noted.
KCC and MUMI are the first mining operations in Africa to receive the Copper Mark certification under the RRA 3.0 standard.
“The Copper Mark is a key milestone in promoting responsible and ethical mining,” said DRC Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba.
“This recognition confirms that the DRC can supply strategic metals to global markets through responsible and transparent supply chains. It boosts investor and consumer confidence in our role in supporting the global energy transition with integrity.”
