FCA member since August 2020
Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 responsibly-sourced commodities that advance everyday life. The Group’s operations comprise around 150 mining and metallurgical sites and oil production assets across 35 countries and a global network of more than 30 marketing offices. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050.
Glencore is a major producer of cobalt, mainly as a by-product of copper mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but also as a by-product of nickel mining in Australia and Canada. Glencore is also one of the largest recyclers and processors of cobalt-bearing materials, such as used batteries helping secure the supply of the metal at a time of increasing demand.
As a major cobalt miner in the DRC, Glencore has long engaged on the issue of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) with the communities around its operations, including the DRC Government, civil society, customers and other key stakeholders. While Glencore does not process, buy or trade ASM material, we believe that legal ASM can play an important and sustainable role in the DRC economy when carried out responsibly and transparently.
We are proud of the contribution made by our operations in the DRC to improve the socio-economic development of the region, from supporting sustainable livelihoods on the ground to making our operations a safe place to work for our people.
“Cobalt is a crucial mineral to achieve the vision of a decarbonised future for the world. An appealing vision of this future is also one where cobalt is no longer associated with child labour, but instead recognised as a mineral that has allowed for the emergence of a middle class in the DRC. At Glencore, we believe that the way to get there is to invest in the country and its people to address the root causes of ASM and child labour.”
Anne-Marie Fleury
Responsible Sourcing Director