TFM, a subsidiary of CMOC, receives Copper Mark certification: a first for the mining sector on the continent

Tenke Fungurume Mining SA (TFM) of CMOC Group Ltd. (CMOC), a copper and cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has officially received Copper Mark certification in recognition of its responsible production practices, making TFM the first mine in Africa to receive the Copper Mark.

Copper Mark is a leading assurance framework launched in 2020 to meet growing international demand for responsible sourcing and production and to promote responsible practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains. The Copper Mark is based on independent third-party assessments of mines and smelters to verify that each site meets requirements for responsible production practices.

Copper Mark requirements cover all major environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Copper producers who receive the Copper Label will automatically be able to meet the three London Metal Exchange (LME) requirements for responsible sourcing: responsible sourcing management systems, environmental management and occupational health and safety.

TFM is currently the world’s fifth largest copper mine and second largest cobalt mine, with five production lines and an annual production capacity of 450,000 tonnes of copper. According to production forecasts for 2024, CMOC will increase copper production by 150,000. tons, which will be the largest increase in the industry this year.

Liang Wei, vice president of ESG at CMOC, noted that the Copper Mark is a voluntary program for all industry members and that TFM began a series of preparations in 2022 and officially launched the validation process in 2023. In early 2024, TFM passed an independent test evaluation made by an international audit team accredited by Copper Mark.

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The Copper Mark validation process was conducted based on 32 different Risk Readiness Assessment (RRA) criteria. This assessment was developed jointly by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and Copper Mark and covers areas such as legal compliance, labor relations, environmental management, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, mine closures and remediation, community development, grievance mechanisms, stakeholder communication and due diligence in mineral supply chains.

These different criteria cover the entire process of producing copper and cobalt products, from mining and enrichment to metallurgy. During the audit, anonymous interviews were conducted with 447 employees and contractors and 56 external stakeholders, such as community members, non-governmental organizations and government representatives, to fully confirm the effectiveness of the management system.

“The Copper Mark certification underscores CMOC’s commitment to high ESG standards and continuous improvement. This demonstrates responsible production to all stakeholders and increases product recognition on exchanges such as the LME, which can lead to premiums,” Liang Wei said.

Sun Ruiwen, president of CMOC, said: “In recent years, CMOC has become a leading copper producer and the largest cobalt producer in the world. As we increase production, we remain committed to providing high-quality, responsible products that are essential to the global energy transition. We are very pleased that TFM was the first mine in Africa to receive the Copper Mark certificate.

This prestigious distinction underlines our commitment to sustainable development, which benefits not only our customers, but also society at large. This achievement sets a new standard for responsible mining on the continent and reflects the growing global focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Consumers around the world are increasingly concerned that the materials they buy comply with responsible practices. Achieving the Copper Label also encourages us to create jobs, increase investment and generate more economic and social value in the DRC.”

By the end of 2023, out of over 70 mines and steelworks that participated in the Copper Mark certification process, 56 plants had obtained it. The total production of certified mines accounts for 30% of global copper production.

About CMOC

CMOC Group Limited was founded in 1969 and is a private company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2007 and on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2012. CMOC is an international company specializing in the exploration, mining, processing, refining, marketing and trading of rare metals . Its main assets and operations are located in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. The company is one of the world’s largest producers of tungsten, molybdenum and niobium, the largest producer of cobalt and one of the world’s leading producers of copper.

It is also the second largest producer of phosphate fertilizers in Brazil. In terms of trading activities, the company ranks among the top three base metals traders in the world. In line with its commitment to positively impacting the environment and society, the company invests heavily in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) initiatives, which has led to the creation of over 32,000 jobs.