USAID-Pact Sustainable Mine Site Validation Project Quarterly Progress Report Fiscal Year 2020 Q1

The program aims to reduce conflict that builds off the illegal mining and trade of 3T minerals (tin, tantalum, and tungsten) by implementing a new mine site qualification and validation (Q&V) model in North and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The project's objectives include creating a financially and technically sustainable Q&V model that meets all requirements laid down in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (DDG), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM), and DRC law. During the first quarter (Q1) of Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), SMSV transmitted mine site qualification reports to the South Kivu Minister of Mines and chair of the provincial multi-stakeholder committee (CPP). The project also evaluated the Shabunda pilot mission, which enabled updating the training modules on legal and framework compliance, identifying and implementing mitigation measures for the CLSs of Mapimo, Mugembe, Matili, and Shabunda Center, training two inspectors/controllers in North Kivu, and preparing the next training mission in North Kivu. The security situation in the project area was relatively calm during Q1, despite some security incidents recorded in a few areas of South and North Kivu due to the counter-offensive undertaken by the DRC National Army (FARDC). However, these incidents did not affect the implementation of project activities. In South Kivu, clashes were reported between the Mai-Mai militias and FARDC, causing internal migration in Chanzomu, and clashes were reported between militiamen Gumino Twigwaneho and the Mai-Mai, also causing displacement, and cases of ambushes and robberies of vehicles were reported on the Bukavu-Uvira trunk. In North Kivu, Pact assessed the security situation in Masisi territory in general and in particular on the axis Masisi Center, Nyabiondo, and Kitshanga in anticipation of the next training mission in these areas. The project personnel remained unchanged during Q1, and no additional equipment was purchased. The project is currently not planning interventions in areas where security incidents were reported. However, the rebels' retreat following the FARDC's counter-offensives make it possible to extend SMSV's scope to qualify a larger number of artisanal mining sites. The project's next training mission is planned in North Kivu, and Pact is preparing for this mission by training two inspectors/controllers and updating the training modules on legal and framework compliance. The project's activities are focused on implementing a new mine site qualification and validation (Q&V) model in North and South Kivu, DRC. The project aims to create a financially and technically sustainable Q&V model that meets all requirements laid down in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (DDG), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM), and DRC law. The project's objectives include capacitating DRC Mining Inspectors and local multi-stakeholder committees (CLSs) to conduct Q&V missions, adequately monitor mining activities at all sites, and address and mitigate identified risks at these sites. The project's activities are also focused on policy dialogues at the national and provincial levels, aiming to create incentives for adequate management and redistribution of the basket funds toward CLSs and their activities, and incentivizing private sector engagement. The project's next steps include preparing for the next training mission in North Kivu, updating the training modules on legal and framework compliance, and identifying and implementing mitigation measures for the CLSs of Mapimo, Mugembe, Matili, and Shabunda Center.