The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation will come into force on January 1, 2021. From this date, European 3TG importers will need to carry out due diligence to identify, manage and report on risks in their supply chains. Concerned companies, the Member State Competent Authorities, the EU Commission and producing countries all need to make the necessary adjustments in the coming months. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) also have a role to play in the effective implementation of the EU CMR. IPIS contributes to this effort by focussing on the effective implementation in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
In light of this effort, IPIS, the Alliance for Responsible Mining, the International Institute for Environment and Development and Solidaridad organised, as members of the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) Civil Society Pillar, an online event in December 2020 with CSOs from 3TG producing countries. The event was co-funded by BMZ through GIZ’s Extractives for Development Program and brought together 40 representatives from Africa and South America. The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation was introduced, including the expectations for mineral (ASM) producers. This introduction video is available in English, French and Spanish.
In sub-groups, divided by region, participants discussed potential strategies and recommendations to manage and overcome potential negative impacts on mining communities, human rights and the environment. Participants’ views will be summarised in a brief meeting report which will feed into a high-level conference to be held on 13-14 January 2021, hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).
