HERTFORDSHIRE, UK – A push is on to expand a joint Congolese-NGO program aimed at securing mines across the nation, ensuring a steady supply of "conflict-free" minerals from the war-torn region. The Democratic Republic of Congo's national Ministry of Mines and the iTSCi Programme team are undertaking an evaluation of conflict-free mines in four provinces: North and South Kivu, Maniema and Katanga.

The organizations have worked for nearly two years to develop actions to resolve roadblocks to expanding production of conflict-free minerals including tin, tantalum, tungsten (3T) and gold in the DRC. The Ministry and iTSCi agree on increasing the scope quickly, but iTSCi faces a funding challenge.

The majority of iTSCi activities have been underwritten by industry, although private sector investment is difficult to obtain in higher risk zones, ITRI said. Both parties agreed to search for donor funding to overcome this roadblock to expansion and further progress toward a conflict-free 3T mining sector.

Experts from each organization discussed data collection, management and reporting; cooperation will continue to ensure data are shared on a regular basis.

It was recommended that Administration of Mine Services and SAESSCAM increase the number of agents, and action was taken to ensure the legal block to the establishment of the provincial committee in Katanga will be resolved.

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