Trafigura has signed a cobalt supply deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) state agency Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) to work towards reforming working conditions in the artisanal sector. Although full details of the arrangement are yet to be revealed, the move is a positive step towards formalisation of the artisanal sector.
Under the terms of the agreement, Trafigura will finance the establishment of six controlled artisanal mining zones and fund the installation of ore purchasing stations, covering costs related to the delivery of traceable cobalt hydroxide.
Production from these artisanal sites is expected to be . . .