Supporting legal and responsible ASM in the DRC
Cobalt for Development (C4D) is a public–private initiative creating a legal, responsible, and commercially viable proof of concept for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations.
Who we are
Who we are
Cobalt for Development (C4D) is a public–private initiative that aims to develop a legal, responsible, and commercially viable proof of concept for both new and existing ASM mines that can serve as models for transforming the wider ASM sector.
C4D builds on its work since 2019 and combines private-sector and European Union funding. The initiative supports the gradual formalisation of ASM through the promotion of legal, safe, and responsible mining practices, and technical capacity development.
C4D works in partnership with -and in support of- key Congolese stakeholders who play a role in the formalisation of the sector. In particular, SAEMAPE, the state service responsible for the formalisation of the ASM sector, and the Congolese state-owned Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC), which plays a key role in sourcing ASM production, are strategic partners. At site level, C4D engages cooperatives, miners and other stakeholders who can influence the implementation of responsible mining practices.
Cobalt for Development is a multi-donor partnership co-funded by BASF, BMW Group, the European Union, Renault Group and STIHL.
C4D aims to demonstrate that legal, commercially viable, environmentally and socially responsible ASM operations are possible and that responsible production can be economically sustainable
Our Vision
Artisanal and small-scale copper–cobalt mines in DRC operate responsibly and supply to formal markets that are committed to responsible sourcing practices and continuous improvement.
Our Mission
To enable better living and working conditions in artisanal and small-scale mining of (ASM) cobalt and copper through the development of a legal and responsible pilot site; and by supporting the formalisation and continuous improvement of additional and already operational ASM sites.
Our Vision
Artisanal and small-scale copper–cobalt mines in DRC operate responsibly and supply to formal markets that are committed to responsible sourcing practices and continuous improvement.
Our Mission
To enable better living and working conditions in artisanal and small-scale mining of (ASM) cobalt and copper through the development of a legal and responsible pilot site; and by supporting the formalisation and continuous improvement of additional and already operational ASM sites.
What makes C4D different?
Field implementation
Developing and applying tangible solutions under real operating conditions across multiple sites.
Viable business case
Connecting responsible artisanal production with formal, regulated markets.
Partnerships
Working alongside Congolese institutions and stakeholders to strengthen local ownership, replication and scaling.
Integrated expertise
Building on seven years of implementation experience and in-house expertise in health and safety, geology, environmental and social impact assessment, due diligence and responsible supply chains.
Field implementation
Developing and applying tangible solutions under real operating conditions across multiple sites.
Viable business case
Connecting responsible artisanal production with formal, regulated markets.
Partnerships
Working alongside Congolese institutions and stakeholders to strengthen local ownership, replication and scaling.
Integrated expertise
Building on seven years of implementation experience and in-house expertise in health and safety, geology, environmental and social impact assessment, due diligence and responsible supply chains.
Scaling responsible ASM together
Scaling responsible ASM together
Formalising artisanal mining requires technical expertise, institutional leadership, local ownership and long-term engagement.
C4D combines these different perspectives through a public–private partnership that brings together European and Congolese institutions, development cooperation and industry partners around a shared objective: supporting legal and responsible artisanal cobalt and copper mining in the DRC.
C4D is designed as a collaborative platform that grows through partnership. As experience is gained and practical solutions are refined, the initiative seeks to partner with additional public institutions, development partners, industry actors and responsible market participants committed to supporting the formalisation of artisanal cobalt and copper mining.
By stimulating collective actions and overcoming barriers, these partnerships can help scale successful approaches and contribute to the wider transformation of the ASM sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.