By Kari Williamson
Tantalum ore is now sourced directly from the conflict free Katanga Province of the DRC and delivered it to CFS certified smelters for processing in a closed-pipe system.
The closed-pipe system for the sourcing and transit of tantalum ore is being managed consistent with both the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) due diligence guidance for responsible supply chains of conflict minerals as well as the current understanding of the yet to be promulgated Dodd-Frank 1502 legislation relating to the same issue.
To date enough ore has been mined and shipped to produce one-to-two months' supply of capacitor grade tantalum powder. It is anticipated that over time the mine will produce enough tantalum ore to satisfy over approximately two-thirds of KEMET's tantalum powder and wire requirements, as well as additional ore for the general market.
"KEMET has been and is currently deeply involved with the various industry and governmental initiatives addressing the issue of conflict minerals sourcing," says Dr. Daniel Persico, KEMET's Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Business Development.
"Through our memberships and active participation with the key regulatory organisations on this issue we are not only maintaining our finger on the pulse but actively pursuing forward progress. Such organisations include: The EICC/GeSi conflict minerals extractives working group – the team that developed the CFS Program, the OECD pilot project on due diligence focused on improving the overall process for certification of supply chain efforts, and the ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi) which developed and focuses on the supply chain traceability scheme that has been implemented at the DRC mine site where we are sourcing tantalum ore.”
KEMET has also announced a social sustainability investment of US$1.5 million, over a two year period, for the construction of schools, health clinics and infrastructure at and around the mine site in the DRC.