Our Mission
The FCA is a multi-stakeholder action platform launched in 2020, to mobilise resources across the whole cobalt supply chain to deliver technical assistance and investment to realise the vision of a formal, fair, and safe artisanal and small-scale mining cobalt sector.
Overview
Artisanal cobalt mining is only ever associated with negative impacts on artisanal and small-scale mining communities. Although the artisanal and small-scale mining sector is indeed in many cases characterised by poor and dangerous working conditions and child labour, the FCA challenges this overly simple perspective of cobalt mining in the DRC. We know that it does not have to be like this.
With support and investment, sites can be improved. We also believe that artisanal cobalt is not just a problem. It simultaneously harbours great opportunities: for the global energy transition towards cleaner electrification; but also, and just as importantly, as a potent driver for community development in the DRC, in Lualaba, in the households of mine workers and for their families.
Our vision
Along the length and breadth of the artisanal and small-scale mining cobalt supply chain stakeholders align to contribute to the development of responsible and fair cobalt, bringing prosperity to mining communities while maintaining sustainable standards and supplying the global demand for equitable cobalt. That is a future we work for.
This vision makes the FCA more than a transient development project – but a solid collaboration that unites the supply chain and works towards a clear vision for artisanal and small-scale mining in ten years from now. The vision is not for a collection of one-off projects, unconnected, unplanned, implemented on the boundaries of a few large mining concessions. But rather, a joined-up approach that maximises positive impact in the sector. So much good happens in isolation across the DRC. Imagine if it were all coordinated! Collaboration is key to change as collaboration leads to greater impact than working alone. The impact of working together is greater than the sum of the parts.
Our Mission:
The FCA is a multi-stakeholder initiative that seeks:
to transform the cobalt artisanal and small-scale mining (“ASM”) industry to have a positive impact in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the “DRC”) by channelling demand for and increasing availability of responsible artisanal and small-scale mining cobalt,
to systemically address the root causes of child labour and dangerous practices at artisanal cobalt mining sites, and
to foster a just transition to a diversified economy to drive the sustainable development of the region.
The FCA achieves this by bringing together stakeholders along the cobalt supply chain who recognise the development potential of artisanal cobalt mining operations. They recognise artisanal and small-scale mining cobalt mining as a legitimate economic activity contributing to the local economy and providing direct and indirect livelihoods for thousands of people in the DRC.
We seek to be as transparent as possible, as is dictated by our governance. Learn more about how we are structured and our governance.
“Artisanal mining is often solely associated with negative impacts on mining communities. Although the sector is indeed in many cases characterised by poor and hazardous working conditions and child labour risks, the FCA challenges this overly simple perspective of cobalt mining in the DRC. We believe that it does not have to be like this.