Resource Consulting Services is a leading consultancy that specializes in extractive industries, natural resources, and supply chain management. They provide advisory services to help clients comply with regulations regarding conflict minerals. The Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502 requires companies to report whether their products contain conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo. These minerals, which include gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten, have helped finance armed groups in eastern DRC. Companies must conduct supply chain due diligence to determine if their minerals are "conflict free". Resource Consulting Services advises clients on implementing the OECD Due Diligence Guidance to help achieve Dodd-Frank Act compliance.
Promoting legal mineral trade in Africa: new policy approachesRCS Global
International Policy Conference – Competitiveness and diversification: Strategic challenges in a petroleum-rich country (Ghana Ministry of Trade and Industry & UNIDO)
Accra, 14-15 March 2011
Promoting legal mineral trade in Africa: new policy approachesRCS Global
International Policy Conference – Competitiveness and diversification: Strategic challenges in a petroleum-rich country (Ghana Ministry of Trade and Industry & UNIDO)
Accra, 14-15 March 2011
Overview of global investment in mining delivered at China Mining Congress in October 2014. Focus on Chinese investment overseas and lessons learned from international experience. Presented by Michael Stanley.
Francesco Rampa
Head of Food Security Programme, ECDPM
28 September 2016, Pre-conference workshop at the Annual German Agricultural Economics Conference (GEWISOLA) 2016.
Global Corporate Social Responsibility (GCSR) Standards With Cuban Characteri...Larry Catá Backer
This paper suggests the issues that may face Cuba and enterprises, including U.S. based enterprises, in the wake of normalization. After the introduction, Part II considers briefly the local legal and political context in which enterprises may operate in Cuba, with particular focus on Ley No. 118/2014 (De la Inversión Extranjera), and its contextualization within the legal structures of Cuban macro-economic policy. Part III then outlines two important standards systems for global CSR with effect in Cuba, the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the U.N. Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. Part IV then considers the ways in which MNEs may have to approach their investment activities in light of these standards, the pressures for change they might produce, and the adverse effects their adverse effects on MNE decisions to invest or operate in Cuba.
Overview of global investment in mining delivered at China Mining Congress in October 2014. Focus on Chinese investment overseas and lessons learned from international experience. Presented by Michael Stanley.
Francesco Rampa
Head of Food Security Programme, ECDPM
28 September 2016, Pre-conference workshop at the Annual German Agricultural Economics Conference (GEWISOLA) 2016.
Global Corporate Social Responsibility (GCSR) Standards With Cuban Characteri...Larry Catá Backer
This paper suggests the issues that may face Cuba and enterprises, including U.S. based enterprises, in the wake of normalization. After the introduction, Part II considers briefly the local legal and political context in which enterprises may operate in Cuba, with particular focus on Ley No. 118/2014 (De la Inversión Extranjera), and its contextualization within the legal structures of Cuban macro-economic policy. Part III then outlines two important standards systems for global CSR with effect in Cuba, the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the U.N. Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. Part IV then considers the ways in which MNEs may have to approach their investment activities in light of these standards, the pressures for change they might produce, and the adverse effects their adverse effects on MNE decisions to invest or operate in Cuba.
presentation to british house of commons all parliamentary committee
RCS Global Director Harrison Mitchell presents on due diligence at British Parliament in London
On 20th October, RCS Global director Harrison Mitchell presented to a packed session of the All Party Parliamentary Committee on Extractives on conducting human rights due diligence in raw materials supply chains.
The presentation provides a background for why human rights due diligence is increasingly important for all companies in the supply chain, from miners, to traders, manufacturers and investors.
Human rights issues will continue to be of significant importance to the APPC, as well as the extractive sector generally, particularly in light of new legislation currently under discussion by the European Union on conflict minerals.
Complying With Conflict Minerals One Page Italyggiacoma
Il 22.8.12 la SEC ha approvato la norma sui “Conflict Minerals”. La normativa prevede l’obbligo di produrre un compliance report sull’origine dei minerali utilizzati nel ciclo produttivo. Molti dei "Conflict Minerals” sono comunemente utilizzati in beni di consumo e di produzione industriale e la SEC stima che circa la metà di tutte le società quotate sarà tenuta a presentare una relazione annuale. Allo stesso modo, i fornitori di queste imprese (anche se non quotati) dovranno presentare ai loro clienti una documentazione del tutto simile.
The Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502 and the SEC Final Rule set assessment and reporting requirements for companies whose products may contain conflict minerals.
This white paper includes:
- Introduction to conflict minerals and an overview of primary uses
- Regulatory requirements of DFA Section 1502 and the economic impact
- Clear guidance on the compliance process
- Specific information on all deliverables and related deadlines
- Detailed treatment of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals
- Explanation of the Bureau Veritas one-stop shop conflict minerals solution
This presentation provides an overview of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. The OECD Due Diligence Guidance provides detailed recommendations to help companies respect human rights and avoid contributing to conflict through their mineral purchasing decisions and practices. This Guidance is for use by any company potentially sourcing minerals or metals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
Visit https://mneguidelines.oecd.org/mining.htm for more information
Visit the website for the Forum on responsible mineral supply chains https://mneguidelines.oecd.org/icglr-oecd-un-forum.htm
Trade and investment in natural mineral resources hold great potential for generating income, growth and prosperity, sustaining livelihoods and fostering local development. However, a large share of these resources is located in conflict-affected and high-risk areas. In these areas, exploitation of natural mineral resources can be a significant part of the economy and may contribute, directly or indirectly, to armed conflict, human rights violations and hinder economic and social development.
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas clarifies how companies can identify and better manage risks throughout the entire mineral supply chain, from miners, local exporters and mineral processors to the manufacturing and brand-name companies that use these minerals in their products.
Find out more about the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and our multi-stakeholder implementation process http://mneguidelines.oecd.org/mining.htm
The financing of physical trade is essential for ensuring the smooth flow of goods and commodities from the Middle East to the rest of the world. However, the complexity of the financial and regulatory landscape is increasing, and keeping pace with the many changes in the geopolitical sphere that have direct implications for financial institutions and their customers is becoming challenging. Through a day of workshops and presentations to an audience of lawyers and bankers, experts from Eversheds’ Trade Finance and Sanctions teams examined the legal and regulatory environment behind these international issues.
Energy Industry Accounting and Tax Update July 2013Hein & Associates
Review of current developments related to The Disclosure of Payments by Resource Extraction Issuers to Governments (Section 1504) and Conflict Minerals Disclosures (Section 1502) of Dodd-Frank Act. Also, a tax review including how domestic companies get stuck paying the tax burden for foreigners.
Chris Bayer of Tulane Study on Conflict Minerals talks about their 2013 follo...riskwatch
In this short presentation in a virtual town hall meeting setting, Mr. Chris Bayer, the author of the 2011 Tulane Study on the economic impact of Conflict Minerals compliance talks to us about the new survey that is currently under progress. As participants you will have a chance to learn first-hand from Mr. Bayer about his insights into the world of conflict minerals even as you prepare for compliance under Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
You will know why it is important to spare a little time to complete Mr. Bayer's follow-up survey on how your organization has been going about Conflict Minerals compliance. For your information, here's a link to the follow-up survey: http://www.payson.tulane.edu/dfs1502-survey-corporate-efforts.
This Issue –
1) Spotlight on Adrian Cronauer
2) Announcements
3) Client and Affiliate News
4) New Client Roll Call
5) Trade Missions Today
6) CAT People
7) Spotlight on Fresh Creations
This presentation shows different ways companies can comply to conflict minerals legislation. Posted with permission from Ron Jones of N-Able Group International who presented on this topic in November 2013.
Similar to Sustainable Mining: The Dodd Frank Act Section 1502 On "Conflict Minerals" (20)
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
Many ways to support street children.pptxSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Up the Ratios Bylaws - a Comprehensive Process of Our Organizationuptheratios
Up the Ratios is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM education for underprivileged students by providing free, high-quality learning opportunities in robotics and other STEM fields. Our mission is to empower the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers by offering a range of educational programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
At Up the Ratios, we believe that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's technology-driven world. To achieve this, we host a variety of free classes, workshops, summer camps, and live lectures tailored to students from underserved communities. Our programs are designed to be engaging and hands-on, allowing students to explore the exciting world of robotics and STEM through practical, real-world applications.
Our free classes cover fundamental concepts in robotics, coding, and engineering, providing students with a strong foundation in these critical areas. Through our interactive workshops, students can dive deeper into specific topics, working on projects that challenge them to apply what they've learned and think creatively. Our summer camps offer an immersive experience where students can collaborate on larger projects, develop their teamwork skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
In addition to our local programs, Up the Ratios is committed to making a global impact. We take donations of new and gently used robotics parts, which we then distribute to students and educational institutions in other countries. These donations help ensure that young learners worldwide have the resources they need to explore and excel in STEM fields. By supporting education in this way, we aim to nurture a global community of future leaders and innovators.
Our live lectures feature guest speakers from various STEM disciplines, including engineers, scientists, and industry professionals who share their knowledge and experiences with our students. These lectures provide valuable insights into potential career paths and inspire students to pursue their passions in STEM.
Up the Ratios relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue our work. Contributions of time, expertise, and financial support are crucial to sustaining our programs and expanding our reach. Whether you're an individual passionate about education, a professional in the STEM field, or a company looking to give back to the community, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
We are proud of the positive impact we've had on the lives of countless students, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. By providing these young minds with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we are not only changing their futures but also contributing to the advancement of technology and innovation on a broader scale.
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
Canadian Immigration Tracker March 2024 - Key SlidesAndrew Griffith
Highlights
Permanent Residents decrease along with percentage of TR2PR decline to 52 percent of all Permanent Residents.
March asylum claim data not issued as of May 27 (unusually late). Irregular arrivals remain very small.
Study permit applications experiencing sharp decrease as a result of announced caps over 50 percent compared to February.
Citizenship numbers remain stable.
Slide 3 has the overall numbers and change.
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
Sustainable Mining: The Dodd Frank Act Section 1502 On "Conflict Minerals"
1. NICHOLAS GARRETT
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES
WWW.RESOURCEGLOBAL.CO.UK
UBS, LONDON
5 OCTOBER 2011
Sustainable Mining:
The Dodd Frank Act Section 1502
On ‘Conflict Minerals’
2. RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)Content
Resource Consulting Services’ ‘Conflict Minerals’ Expertise
Dodd Frank Act Section 1502 on ‘Conflict Minerals’ - Summary
Dodd Frank Act Section 1502 Compliance: How to get it right
SUSTANABLE MINING:
The
Dodd
Frank
Act
Sec1on
1502
‘Conflict
Minerals’
3. Resource Consulting Services
A globally leading consultancy that specialises in:
• The extractive industries;
• Natural resources;
• Land investment;
• Supply chain management
We provide research and advisory services for a range of world-class clients, helping
them:
• Develop and optimise policies, strategies and management systems;
• Make investment decisions;
• Comply with good practice and regulatory obligations.
We assist a number of companies, governments and development NGOs in managing
their response to the Dodd Frank Act Sections 1504 and 1502.
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
4. The ‘Conflict Minerals’ Issue RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
• In parts of the eastern DR Congo we are seeing a state of pervasive insecurity perpetuated by
state weakness, which allows armed groups and corrupt state officials (incl. parts of the national
army) to prey on economic activity and the civilian population.
• The economy is import dependent and exports principally raw materials. The rogue actors prey
on the trade in cheese, drugs, charcoal, timber and minerals.
• Within this economy minerals – gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten - have been singled out, as they
fetch particularly high prices, providing rogue actors with revenue, though estimates vary as to how
much money it actually requires to maintain a level of insecurity (in reality not much at all). The
value in tin-ore exports alone was estimated as more than 100 million USD in 2008.
• The trade connects to international buyers (smelters and refiners) often in Asia and onwards to
component manufacturers the jewellery sector and in the end, the brand name end-users and
consumers.
• Artisanal mining is a massively important employment generator (estimated 500,000 - 1 Million
artisanal miners in eastern DRC, who use the revenue they earn to sustain the livelihood of on
average 5 additional people per person.
• The civilian population, including the artisanal miners suffer significant human rights abuses in
their search for a sustainable livelihood, which is compromised by a state unable to provide
security and prevent rogue actors from preying on economic activity.
• The principle international responses to this issue has been to promote mineral trade control
measures in the way of traceability and certification schemes. This response is contested as it fails
to address the issue of state weakness.
6. Resource Consulting Services
and ‘Conflict Minerals’
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
In 2007/2008 we conducted a reverse supply chain investigation from the Bisie mine and broke the
story in the Financial Times.
Many, but not all end users did not know or did not know enough about the issue of conflict minerals
and felt compelled to engage on the issue, as well as manage their risk exposure.
7. Since then we have applied our knowledge of the issue and our expertise in supply chain management
to advise investors, companies at all levels of the supply chain, governments and donors as well as
development NGOs in their response to the issue. We do NOT partake in advocacy.
Resource Consulting Services
and ‘Conflict Minerals’
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
For an extract of our clients, please refer to:
http://www.resourceglobal.co.uk/clients.php
RCS
Mining and
Trading
Companies
Smelters and
Refiners
Intermediate
Manufacturers
Brand
companies,
e.g.
Electronics
Banks and
Investors
Development
NGOs
Governments /
Donors
8. The Dodd Frank Act Section 1502
on ‘Conflict Minerals’ - Summary
1
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
9. DF 1502 ‘Conflict Minerals’ RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
Western consumer driven concerns that the “exploitation and trade of
conflict minerals originating from the DR Congo and adjoining countries
is helping to finance conflict characterised by extreme levels of violence
in eastern DR Congo…”
The law
Motivation
The Dodd-Frank Act signed into law on July 21, 2010, contains a ‘Section
1502’, which adds additional reporting requirements for SEC registered
companies’, concerning the sources of ‘conflict minerals’.
‘Conflict Minerals’
‘3T’ Metals
• Tantalum: Columbite-tantalite (‘coltan’)
• Tin: Cassiterite
• Tungsten: Wolframite
Gold
Others determined by Secretary of State to contribute to conflict financing
in DR Congo (currently not applicable)
10. DF 1502 ‘Conflict Minerals’ RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
Mechanism
Affected Countries
• Angola; Ÿ Rwanda;
• Burundi; ŸSouth Sudan;
• Central African Republic; ŸTanzania;
• Democratic Republic of Congo; Ÿ Uganda;
• Malawi; Ÿ Zambia
• Republic of Congo;
• others to be determined by Secretary of State (currently not applicable,
but big ? over Colombia, Myanmar and others)
Replication of perceived successes of supply chain traceability in
diamonds (KP), forestry and textiles industries. Hotly contested
whether DF1502 has merit as a trade control and conflict resolution
instrument (the “gold” and “de facto ban” issues)!!!
Role models
By ensuring that companies’ supply chains are “conflict free” helping to
cut off a key financing of parties to the conflict: ‘forcing’ an estimated
1,200 SEC registered companies, which may be sourcing ‘conflict
minerals’ from the DRC and adjoining countries, or which are unable to
verify source, to file a publicly available ‘conflict minerals report’ annually.
Indirect pressure to ensure supply chains are ‘conflict free’ to avoid
reputational and commercial damage.
11. DF 1502 ‘Conflict Minerals’ RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
Determine if
‘issuer’ (company filing
SEC reports) is subject to
DF 1502
Determine if ‘conflict
minerals’ originated in DRC
and adjoining countries;
subsequent exposure of
the result
Conduct supply chain due
diligence to determine
“conflict free” status;
complete independently
audited report
Simplified SEC 3-Step Disclosure
Requirements
13. How are banks and investors affected?
• Risk of investing in non-compliant companies (e.g ethically conscious clients; legal
consequences)
• Direct compliance requirements if trading or buying, e.g. gold
• High profile issue among NGOs – reputational risk
• Affect PRI and EP implementation
• Affect due diligence activities in DRC + 9 country investments
How are upstream operators affected?
• Investments in mining of ‘conflict minerals’ in the DRC + 9 surrounding countries – must have
due diligence processes in place
• Advocacy pressure and reputational risks if non-compliant
• Violation of voluntary good practice guidelines if non-compliant
• Compliance requirement to sell into supply chain of SEC registered companies
• Lower prices if selling into grey market, i.e. China, India etc…
How are downstream operators affected
• SEC listed companies that trade or use the 3Ts and gold must at least interrogate their supply
chains to see if affected and may need a due diligence process in place.
• Advocacy pressure and reputational risks if non-compliant
• Violation of voluntary good practice guidelines if non-compliant
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)DF 1502 ‘Conflict Minerals’
14. Getting it Right: Dodd Frank 1502
Implementation
3
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
15. DF 1502 Implementation
1. The SEC has not published the accompanying regulations yet, so there is a degree of uncertainty about DF
1502 implementation. A meeting on October 18, 2011 may bring more clarity.
2. With limited time available, we help companies implement the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for
Responsible Supply Chains, as the most likely way to achieve DF1502 compliance in time. It is the most
broadly supported due diligence framework, endorsed by the US State Department and others.
3. Most of you know traditional due diligence, but this goes beyond! “Due Diligence is an ongoing, proactive and
reactive process through which companies can ensure that they respect human rights and do not contribute to
conflict.” - Concrete actions depend on a company’s exact position in the supply chain!
Main points of OECD Due Diligence Guidance
Companies should assess risk by identifying factual circumstances of its activities and relationships and evaluating
the facts against relevant standards provided under national and international law and other initiatives. The OECD
Due Diligence Guidance provides a model framework.
5 step framework suggested by OECD – each step has a number of subcategories
1. Establish strong company management systems
2. Identify and assess risk in the supply chain
3. Design and Implement a strategy to respond to the identified risks
4. Carry out independent third-party audit of supply chain due diligence at identified points in the supply chain
5. Report on supply chain due diligence
Interrogating supply chain is only 12 part of compliance.
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
17. DF1502 Implementation Challenges
The key challenges in real world implementation are:
1. Companies don’t know where their material comes from! Unknown exposure!
2. Companies are waking up late to their responsibilities or not at all. The SEC estimates 1,200 of 5,500 SEC
listed companies will be affected or around 20%.
a) Management fails to understand the severe repercussions of “not doing it properly”.
You must report if you fail an audit! There is significant group of advocacy organisations
there waiting for you to fail, so that they can build their next campaign (and funding proposal) around
you!
3. Putting the right systems and processes in place requires, time, resources, expertise and management input.
Name brands with resources are having difficulty with implementation – tier 2, 3 and 4 suppliers often feel
completely overwhelmed by the requirements and have limited capacity to act. For a name brand, sorting out
your own house is not enough! Relying on industry collective action platforms and their activities is not enough!
Individual companies will be audited, not the industry collectively.
4. Companies over-emphasise technical aspects of due diligence and prioritise process and procedure over policy
and management systems. In fact, verification of the supply chain is only one part of due diligence. Much of the
work companies have to do is on company policy and management systems, which is expertise is required.
5. There is not a lot of time! The issuance of the final regulations is expected before the end of 2011.
In that case the first reporting cycle would be the year ending 12 months after the issuance of the regulations.
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
18. DF 1502 Implementation
What if I am confused about this? Follow the RCS Decision tree and talk to us!
We have developed and apply a comprehensive methodology.
This is only an introductory snapshot.
RESOURCE CONSULTING SERVICES (RCS)
Step
0:
Do
you
fully
understand
the
issues
and
regula1ons
that
will
affect
your
company?
Have
you
comprehensively
assessed
how
the
Dodd
Frank
1502
requirements
affect
your
company?
How
should
new
requirements
fit
into
exis1ng
procurement
policies?
Yes
No
RCS
can
conduct
a
Rapid
Analysis
-‐
to
understand
the
Impact
and
develop
a
Response
appropriate
for
your
company
Steps
1
A
and
B:
Have
you
iden1fied
the
gaps
between
the
OECD
Due
Diligence
requirements
and
your
company’s
management
system?
Yes
No
RCS
can
conduct
a
gap
analysis
of
the
company’s
needs
to
meet
the
OECD
Due
Diligence
requirements.