News
10th May 2012
Global Advanced Metals Joins the AVX "Solutions for Hope" Project
AVX Corporation, announced today that US-based Global Advanced Metals’ tantalum processing division, GAM Technology (the first tantalum smelter to achieve EICC/GeSI Conflict-Free Smelter validation in December 2010), has joined the AVX “Solutions for Hope Project.”
Full article (Electronic Products)
Full article (pdf of above link)
10th May 2012
Brazil on Top of the Tantalum Game
Brazil is the silent king of tantalum. Destinations where there are issues surrounding conflict minerals or mine closures and reopenings often dominate the tantalum headlines, but outside of the media spotlight, Brazil is manufacturing 27 percent of the world’s tantalum. According to Merchant Research and Consulting, that is the largest share.
Full article (Tantalum Investing News)
Full article (pdf of above link)
4th May 2012
iTSCi Minerals Due Diligence Programme Announces First 33 Full Members
The iTSCi Membership Programme is pleased to announce confirmation of acceptance of the first 33 companies as Full Members, and in order to contribute to transparency in the supply chain, has made a summary of relevant preliminary information on each available on the iTSCi membership webpage at www.itri.co.uk/index.php?option=com_zoo&view=item&Itemid=190.
3rd May 2012
Key Decisions from ITRI Conference Conflict Minerals Discussions
More than 170 registrants participated in a unique conflict mineral seminar held in association with the recent ITRI International Tin Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Record numbers of attendees were attracted to the main conference brought for the first time to the African continent, with the majority taking the opportunity to remain for the conflict mineral discussion in which they were joined by many more African representatives.
12th April 2012
iTSCi Programme Announces Appointment of Programme Ombudsman
The iTSCi minerals traceability and due diligence Programme is pleased to announce the appointment of US law firm Foley Hoag, LLP as the iTSCi Programme Ombudsman.
10th April 2012
iTSCi Programme Publishes List of Approved Associate Members
The iTSCi Secretariat has published a list of the current Associate Members of the Programme. Only Associate Members who have explicitly agreed to their information being published are included.
29th March 2012
Tantalum and Niobium (Columbium) Market Review (January 2012 Edition)
The company Research and Markets has just published a Tantalum and Niobium Market Review which they describe as: "...an absolutely essential resource for anyone interested in detailed information on the reviewed market. Using a wide range of primary and secondary sources, we combined, analyzed and presented all available data about Tantalum and Niobium in the all-in-one report. In addition to the descriptive part, the report provides a range of tables and figures which give a true insight into the relevant national, regional and global markets of Tantalum and Niobium."
Further details (Research and Markets)
26th March 2012
AVX Delivers World’s First Validated Conflict-Free Tantalum Capacitors
AVX Corporation, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive components and interconnect solutions, has shipped the world’s first tantalum products manufactured from validated conflict-free tantalite ore mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Motorola Solutions, a leading provider of mission-critical communication solutions and services for enterprise and government customers.
15th March 2012
Pact Urges Responsible Companies to Start Buying Conflict-Free Minerals from Eastern DR Congo
The New Times in Rwanda reports that African Primary Tungsten (APT) was suspended from the iTSCi traceability and due diligence system while four unidentified companies were suspended by Rwanda's Geology and Mines Department (GMD). The ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi) is designed to address concerns of trade in "conflict minerals" from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries, including Rwanda. This suspension shows that the governance structure that the iTSCi system provides helps authorities regulate the mining sector and detect potentially illegal activity. It is essential to expand these traceability and regulatory efforts to enable mining zones such as in eastern DRC to become viable sources for responsible buyers, who currently have abandoned the market.
13th March 2012
Plansee develops Molybdenum-tantalum alloy against corrosion in CIGS solar cells
Thanks to its good adhesion to glass and a high electrical conductivity, molybdenum is the back contact material in CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, sulphur, selenium) solar cells. However, exposed to corrosive atmospheres molybdenum can be prone to oxidation. Plansee's response: Molybdenum-tantalum.
Pure molybdenum is alloyed with small amounts of corrosion-resistant tantalum, thereby combining the advanced properties of both metals. The superior corrosion resistance of molybdenum-tantalum (MoTa) has been proven in numerous tests. In a corrosion experiment at elevated temperature (60 °C) and high humidity (90%) the carved thin films (layer thickness: 300 nm) of MoTa exhibit a much better corrosion resistance, compared with pure molybdenum.
12th March 2012
KEMET Signs Agreement to Acquire 34% Interest in NEC Tokin - Option to Acquire 100% Ownership
KEMET Corporation announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 34% economic interest with a 51% voting interest in NEC TOKIN Corporation (“NT”), a manufacturer of tantalum capacitors, electro-magnetic, electro-mechanical, access devices and piezoelectric ceramics from NEC Corporation of Japan. Revenue of NT for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2011 was ¥64,770 million or approximately $755 million.
11th March 2012
DRC Ministry of Mines Extends Co-Operation with iTSCi Due Diligence Programme
The iTSCi Programme is pleased to announce signature of a further agreement with the Ministry of Mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) extending co-operation on iTSCi implementation into other areas of the country.
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was agreed following an evaluation of progress by Ministry experts who have reported improved transparency and statistics of production, and resulting tax revenues, as well as increased Government control and governance in the stanniferrous mineral sector in Katanga; the only Province where iTSCi is currently able to operate.
Press coverage: Circuits Assembly; Mbendi; Metal Bulletin
6th March 2012
US SEC to have Phase-In on Conflict Minerals Rule
Companies whose products contain so-called African "conflict minerals" will not be forced to immediately start complying with the new SEC disclosure regulations set to be adopted this year. "The commission is working to finalize the adoption and I'm hopeful in the next couple of months, it will be done," U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro told lawmakers during a hearing on the agency's 2013 budget request. "We will have a phase-in period, I don't know how long, that will... give sufficient time for some of the supply chain due diligence mechanisms to be developed and put in place."
23rd February 2012
Nokia Joins AVX in the 'Solutions for Hope' Initiative, Uses Validated Conflict-Free DRC Tantalum in Products
AVX Corporation, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive components and interconnect solutions, is proud to announce that Nokia, a global leader in mobile communications, has joined AVX in the Solutions for Hope initiative.
21st February 2012
KEMET Completes Acquisition of Niotan Incorporated
KEMET Corporation announced today that it has completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Niotan Incorporated, which will be named KEMET Blue Powder Corp.
21st February 2012
INTERVIEW: China and speciality steels key to niobium demand – Camet Metallurgy
The move towards higher valued added specialist steels driven by a combination of regulation, high energy costs and a focus on building higher performance products should translate into growing demand for niobium, according to Claude Dufresne, president of Camet Metallurgy.
Full article (Metal Pages - by subscription)
13th February 2012
Ethiopian Company Discovers Tantalum Ore
Ethiopian Mineral Development Share Company (EMDSC), the state owned company engaged in mineral exploration and development, recently discovered a further deposit of tantalum ore estimated at 2'500 tonnes at its Kenticha tantalum mine found in the Oromia Regional State, Guji Zone, 600 km south of Addis Ababa. It is understood that at current production levels, this could equate to at least a further fifteen years of production.
Full article (Ethiopia Investor)
9th February 2012
AVX conflict-free tantalum initiative gathers pace
The success of "Solutions for Hope" could help DR Congo return to the tantalum market as a trusted and transparent supplier. As SEC regulations get drafted, to encompass supply chains in electronics, aerospace, automotive and other industries, across the Pacific the UN is focusing attention on mineral sourcing practices of Asian smelters. This could be the turning point for the tantalum trade. Can AVX's closed supply pipeline pilot-tested in Katanga be copied in the war-ravaged eastern DRC? AVX's Solutions for Hope ethical tantalum sourcing scheme in the Congo's Katanga region has demonstrated its sustainability and is looking at potential expansion into eastern DRC, Bill Millman, Technical and Quality Director at AVX Tantalum Division told Metal-Pages in an interview.
Full article (reproduced by permission of Metal Pages)
10th January 2012
Short course helps with understanding of the EU’s REACH legislation in relation to powder handling
A one day short course is being organised by the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology to help companies understand the many implications of the EU’s REACH legislation. The course will take place at the University of Greenwich, London, UK on 28th February 2012.
8th January 2012
UN Report Recognises Positive Impacts of Due Diligence in Tin and Tantalum Supply Chain
The ITRI welcomes the recent report of the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which recognises that the ITRI and the T.I.C. “continue to exhibit a high level of awareness of the UN guidelines, and have made a significant positive contribution to their members’ due diligence implementation, not least through the implementation of the Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi)”. It is also pleasing to note that the awareness of due diligence requirements of members of the programme is considered to be good, while awareness among non-members is weaker.
15th November 2011
T.I.C. Participates in Launch of PPA
In a Washington, D.C. ceremony on November 15, Pact launched a Public-Private Alliance for a Responsible Minerals Trade (PPA) with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and a coalition of businesses from the electronics industry and civil-society organizations. The PPA is an innovative public-private partnership to build a conflict-free, productive, and responsible mining and minerals trade in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region (GLR). The T.I.C.'s newly appointed Supply Chain Officer (former President Mr. Richard Burt) attended as representative of the T.I.C.
30th October 2011
OECD Issues Guidance to Assist Companies to Comply with Section 1502 of U.S. Dodd Frank Act
A leaflet has been produced by the OECD responding to questions on how the OECD Due Diligence Guidance assists companies to comply with Section 1502 of the U.S. Dodd Frank Act. It includes the questions:
- To what extent do Section 1502 of U.S. Dodd Frank Act and the OECD Guidance intersect?
- Do Section 1502 of U.S. Dodd Frank Act and the OECD Guidance share the same objectives?
- Why should issuers use the OECD Guidance to generate the information required under Section 1502 of U.S. Dodd Frank Act?
18th October 2011
Metal Pages Reports from the T.I.C.'s Fifty-second General Assembly Meeting
Two presentations and the AVX closed pipe supply line are reported on by Metal Pages:
- New operating developments at Mibra mine by Itamar Resende, Companhia Industrial Fluminense
- AVX Corporation takes delivery of verified conflict-free DRC tantalum ore from the ‘Solutions for Hope Project’
- Development of a new generation pilot plant for production of tantalum powders utilizing FFC Cambridge process principles by Ian Margerison, Metalysis
Full article on Mibra presentation (Metal Pages - by subscription)
Full article on AVX 'Solutions for Hope Project' (Metal Pages - by subscription)
9th September 2011
AVX Commits to 'Solutions for Hope Project' Through Use of Conflict-Free DRC Tantalum Ore
AVX Corporation today announced that it has taken delivery of the first shipment of verified conflict-free DRC tantalum ore from the ‘Solutions for Hope Project’ through the secure “closed pipe” supply line. AVX is also pleased to announce that four additional leading technology companies have joined the project, including Intel and HP.
9th August 2011
iTSCi to develop Guidance Documentation
The T.I.C. and ITRI wish to ensure that all information pertaining to how iTSCi works is up-to-date and within one document. This will ensure that:
- All implementers and observers of iTSCi are properly guided on the scheme’s objectives, structures and processes.
- All supply chain operators, government agents and iTSCi personnel properly understand their obligations, so they can fulfill these and consequently implement the initiative properly.
- The scheme is aligned with other complementary due diligence endeavours, in particular the OECD Guidance and UN Security Council recommendations.
A public draft of the document should be available for comment early October.
Full article
4th August 2011
T.I.C. signs multi-stakeholder letter to the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
A multi-stakeholder letter to the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission was transmitted jointly by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General, the Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Coordinator of the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Friday 29th July.
The T.I.C. was one of the signatories to this letter signed by the civil society, industry and trade organisations that participate in the multi-stakeholder forum for conflict-free mineral supply chains convened by the ICGLR, the OECD and the UN Group of Experts on the DRC. The letter offered considerations that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission may find useful in preparing the implementing rules for Section 1502 on conflict minerals of the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
21st July 2011
The OECD publishes the "OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas"
The Due Diligence Guidance may be used by any company potentially sourcing minerals or metals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, and is intended to cultivate transparent, conflict-free supply chains and sustainable corporate engagement in the minerals sector. The T.I.C. urges its members to follow this guidance for all minerals sourcing which has or may potentially have come from conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
The guidance is published in English or French paperback, with the option of a free pdf download version.
5th July 2011
AVX Corporation is Pleased To Announce its Participation in the "Solutions For Hope Project"
AVX Corporation, in partnership with a leading producer of communications technology, has developed the “Solutions for Hope Project,” a pilot program established to demonstrate a process to deliver conflict-free tantalum material from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines.
14th January 2011
Urgent funding call to progress implementation of iTSCi conflict mineral programme
ITRI and the Tantalum Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.) today launched an urgent funding call to address the need for immediate expansion and implementation of the ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi) due diligence scheme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
