Statement from the President of the Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.)
We are aware of the recent communication from the Chinese authorities regarding counter-sanctions and the concerns raised in relation to the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) and associated organisations. We understand that these developments have created uncertainty across our industry, particularly with regard to potential implications for supply chains and existing due-diligence requirements.
Interim measures
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) has informed us today of the following interim measures:
- The validity of assessments for facilities in China has been extended.
- Assessments in China have been postponed until further notice while the RMI evaluates the appropriate next steps.
- Outside China, the RBA and RMI continue to operate as normal.
As a precautionary measure at this time, and until the situation becomes clearer, the RMI has also decided not to attend GA67.
As the Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.), we are actively engaging with the RMI to better understand the potential impact of these developments on our industry. In particular, we are seeking clarification on whether any measures relating to our supply chains, due-diligence processes or sourcing requirements may need to be adapted or adjusted.
Our priority is to obtain clear and reliable information from both an industry and legal perspective, so that our members have a sound basis on which to assess the situation and determine any appropriate actions.
We fully understand the concerns and uncertainty that these developments may cause. The T.I.C. is working actively with the RMI and our legal advisers, Jones Day, to establish a clear picture of the potential consequences for the tantalum and niobium supply chain.
We will communicate further with our members as soon as we have completed these discussions and have a clearer understanding of the potential implications.
In the meantime, we encourage members to continue monitoring developments and to maintain their existing due-diligence and responsible-sourcing processes unless and until further guidance is available.
Yours sincerely,
Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.)