DRC conflict-free tantalum initiative is expanded

After nearly four years, the pilot programmes have successfully injected more than 165 metric tons of verified conflict-free coltan into the supply chain and enabled several significant social improvements in local mining communities. The programmes have, therefore, proved that it is possible to reliably and responsibly source conflict-free tantalum from the DRC.

Solutions for Hope makes it possible for downstream companies to securely, transparently and responsibly source conflict-free minerals from regions affected by armed conflict, while also facilitating community reinvestment and enabling the development of peaceful communities with appropriate infrastructure, fair wages and job security.

The first Solutions for Hope pilot programme was established in the DRC’s Katanga Province in 2011. Since its supply chain does not typically include traders, AVX pays world market mineral prices directly to mine owners who have enacted fundamental changes in their surrounding communities. These changes include new and improved roads and bridges, solar streetlights, multiple water purification projects, new schools, new healthcare clinics, new and improved market spaces and the funding of youth sports and development programmes and public spaces such as the Lubumbashi Zoo and botanical garden.

The second pilot programme, Solutions for Hope North Kivu, was established in Bibatama in March 2014. Rich in mineral wealth, North Kivu’s mines have been impacted by armed conflict since 1994. Today, however, 60% of the region’s 28 tantalum mines have been validated as conflict-free. 12 local mining companies have joined the programme, 11 mines have begun bagging and tagging verified conflict-free coltan for export, and, before year’s end, the first two full container loads will be ready to ship to validated conflict-free smelters for processing into capacitor-grade powder and wire before being made into capacitors for use in electronic products.