2609
Auditing of ASM operations based on the Certified Trading Chain standard
As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act ASM operations require recognized certificates to legally export 3T minerals out of the crisis-torn eastern Congo. Therefore, the Congolese government has ratified the Certified Trading Chain (CTC) conflict mineral certification standard which comprises amongst others the follow main criteria: Conflict-free production, traceability, transparency, legality, social and labour standards, occupational health and safety, corporate social responsibility, as well as environmental management, planning for mine closure, and remediation. In this regard Projekt-Consult conducted 21 independent baseline and compliance audits on behalf of the BGR within the eastern Congolese provinces of North and South Kivu, Maniema, Orientale, and Katanga. As part of the audit procedure, hands-on recommendations for each individual ASM operation to meet the CTC standards were developed, and specific follow-up measures were suggested in cooperation with the Congolese authorities in charge of mine certification and the BGR support project.
