Updates From RMI On ITSCI Recognition & Great Lakes Region Due Diligence

The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) have been in a long-term conversation for around three years focusing on upstream recognition, and the respective alignment assessment. This long-term collaboration was intended for a mutual understanding and support for responsible mineral practices. However, recently there has been a development in the conversation and this blog explores the updates from RMI on ITSCI Recognition & Great Lakes Region Due Diligence.

The Dialogue Between RMI And ITSCI:

A robust and extensive dialogue between the ITSCI and RMI has been ongoing for three long years which primarily discusses the upstream recognition and alignment assessments as they play a crucial role in the responsible mineral practices. The responsible minerals are often from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs) which need to be resourced ethically. Hence, three-long year discussions between ITSCI and RMI have improved the RMI in better understanding the organization’s programs. Therefore, through this in-depth understanding, RMI was able to help its smelters and members by enhancing the due diligence efforts in the Great Lakes Region. The Great Lake Region is one of the challenging and complex areas because of its mining activities and human rights abuses. 

Challenges Identified

Despite the ongoing progress of dialogue between the ITSCI and RMI for three consecutive years, there were significant gaps in the ITSCI recognition terms. The RMI review on the ITSCI concluded that ITSCI does not meet the standards of RMI recognition terms of the alignment assessment made on the RMAP smelters, UN Group of Experts, and various independent reports. Hence, this conclusion from the RMI has indicated that ITSCI needs to improve their systems and various critical issues have to be addressed. Therefore, the RMI has concluded to pause on the recognition of the ITSCI at this moment and support RMI’s responsible sourcing of minerals from CAHRAs.

Implications Of The Pause

The ITSCI needs to address the gaps and improve its alignment assessment as per the standards of RMI recognition terms. The RMI will reassess ITSCI in one year and would possibly be recognized from the year 2026.

Looking Ahead

In forthcoming years, the RMI recognition terms will involve updation and ongoing checks to manage the illegal mineral infiltration. Also, there are further plans to construct dialogues and update the recognition policy for responsible sourcing. 

The RMI remains committed to enhancing due diligence practices and supporting responsible sourcing. This includes providing technical assistance to smelters, offering guidance and tools, conducting independent assessments through the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP), and engaging in research and monitoring.

The RMI’s decision to pause ITSCI recognition highlights the importance of rigorous due diligence and the need for continuous improvement in responsible sourcing practices. While this pause may pose challenges, it also provides a valuable opportunity for ITSCI to address gaps and enhance its practices. The RMI remains focused on supporting responsible mineral sourcing and will continue to work towards achieving its mission of promoting transparency and compliance in the supply chain. 

Sunstream can be your ideal partner in navigating through the complexities of conflict mineral compliance and assisting the business in ethical resourcing and strengthening supply chain integrity.