The International Tin Association (ITA) Lead Sustainability Specialist Sonia Marsh and Sustainability Associate Liam Rafferty-John travelled to Brazil in February to visit ITA member and leading tin producer White Solder Metalurgia e Mineracão LTDA (White Solder) and gain a deeper understanding of the local tin mining context.
As the world’s sixth largest producer of refined tin, Brazil is of key importance to the global tin industry. The visit provided insights into key social and environmental considerations and how the national tax system and disclosures contribute to transparency in the mineral sector.
The visit included a tour of White Solder’s smelter and solder manufacturing facilities and local mining operations. A key focus was the practical application of the Tin Code for ESG disclosures and its role in promoting continuous improvement in sustainability, including engagement with small-scale suppliers.
A highlight was the visit to the recently inaugurated Community Centre TST, a state-of-the-art facility fully funded by White Solder, providing vital daycare, educational, and skills development support to local families. This initiative strongly aligns with the community engagement and development principles encouraged by the Tin Code.
ITA extends its sincere thanks to the entire team at White Solder and the Tor Participações Holding Group for hosting the visit. Such engagement is crucial as ITA continues to support its members and promote continuous improvement in responsible tin production worldwide.
You can find White Solder’s latest Tin Code Report here.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable women in the tin industry and the advancement of equality in the sector. At ITA, we support women globally in the diverse roles they now occupy, from workers to leaders and from field positions to (remote) offices.
We are proud to see women and men working collaboratively to forge a better future for the tin industry, and we commend ITA members for creating more equal employment opportunities and providing active contributions to women’s empowerment projects in their communities that are driving positive change in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and Oceania. We also recognise the many women working in vital roles in artisanal and small-scale tin mining around the world.
This is an ongoing journey for the industry. Under the Tin Code, ITA members are committed to addressing gender discrimination, violence and harassment and achieving gender equality through the implementation of the Tin Code Standard 4.2a, 4.2b and 4.3 in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5. Since its launch in 2018, we are proud of the improvements in equality and addressing the risk of gender-based discrimination among participants we have seen under the Tin Code.
Here at ITA, we are proud to hold ourselves against the same high standards we expect of the industry. We believe small changes, even at an office level, can accelerate action and help overcome challenges. We are committed to ensuring growth in female leadership, and this year, we are joining the ‘Women in Mining UK’ summer internship programme and offering a position to help us map global tin resources. Our CEO, Helen Prins, reflects: ” Throughout my career in the extractive industries, I have seen many talented women rise to leadership positions. However, I have also seen exceptional women leave due to persistent barriers. As an industry, we must do more to support, retain, and empower women to thrive.” In addition, we have also strengthened our flexible working policies, including maternity. Samantha Munro-McClure, Sustainability Specialist at ITA, states: “As a working mother, it is inspiring to work for an organisation like ITA that values women, acknowledges the diverse roles they can play, and creates space for them to succeed both professionally and personally through its flexible working policies.”
We have the privilege of working and collaborating with many inspiring men and women, both within ITA in markets, technology and sustainability, and among our members and participants in tin mining, processing, smelting and recycling around the world, who support the Tin Code. We recognise that progress happens through partnership—men and women working side by side, combining diverse perspectives to create a more innovative, sustainable, and equitable tin industry.
Industry case study: Mining Mineral Resources
“Mining Mineral Resources (MMR) is deeply committed to empowering women and fostering personal development, both within the organization and across the broader industry. For us, March—Women’s Rights Month—is not just a time to reflect, but a moment to actively engage everyone, both men and women, in celebrating progress. We don’t just offer women a seat at the table; we provide the tools, support, and opportunities for them to unlock their full potential and become key drivers of change for future generations.”
“As part of this commitment, we proudly run an annual internal communication campaign, “TUKO,” which translates to “We Are” in Swahili, one of the national languages of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
MMR being part of the Vinmart Group will always have a platform for women to share their ambitions, insights, and powerful messages on themes that resonate deeply with our core values.
This year, TUKO 2025 highlights the women who shatter stereotypes, inspiring a change in cultural perception in the D.R. Congo. It’s more than a theme—it’s a movement, igniting passion and empowering the future of women in the Tin industry.
We invite you to watch the video of our #TUKO2025 Campaign.”
We are pleased to announce this month’s publication of Tin Code Reports for two companies: Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad (‘MSC’ – smelter located in Pulau Indah, Malaysia) and White Solder Metalurgia e Mineração LTDA (‘White Solder’ – smelter located in Ariquemes, Brazil).
In both instances, the report highlights the progressive improvements across several Principles of the Tin Code. MSC has demonstrated improvements mainly in areas related to governance, labour, community and human rights (Principles 1, 4, 6 and 7, respectively). White Solder’s areas of improvement are across environmental, health and safety, labour, stakeholder and community areas (Principles 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively).
For responsible sourcing, MSC and White Solder underwent independent third-party assessments of their smelters in Pulau Indah and Ariquemes, respectively, against the OECD-aligned standards of the ‘ITA-RMI Assessment Criteria for Tin Smelting Companies’ under the Tin Code Assurance process with reports and results available here.
MSC and White Solder are also linked to the LME Passport via the Tin Code, showcasing their progress on Sustainability Disclosures for the ‘Multidimensional-Standard’ and ‘Social-Human Rights’ themes.
For further insights into MSC and White Solder’s commitment to sustainability and progressive improvements, you can access the Tin Code Reports here.
The International Tin Association is pleased to announce that Eloro Resources, an exploration and mine development company and ITA’s Explorers and Developers (E&D) Group Member, has committed to implementing the Tin Code sustainability standard for its Iska Iska silver-tin project in Bolivia.
This commitment demonstrates Eloro’s efforts to adopt responsible and sustainable tin mining practices from an early stage during the development of their project. It aligns with the growing global expectations for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) or Sustainability principles in the mining and metals sector.
“Our commitment to participating in the Tin Code underscores Eloro’s continued dedication to sustainable mining practices that we have already established at our Iska Iska project in Bolivia” Tom Larsen, Eloro Resources CEO
You can find more information about Eloro Resources and the Iska Iska Project here.
For more information on the Tin Code for E&D’s and how to participate visit our website.
The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce the publication of Mining Mineral Resources SAS (MMR)’s first Tin Code Report.
MMR has taken a proactive and constructive step towards transparency by committing to the Tin Code and this first report marks a significant milestone in their sustainability journey.
From its beginnings in exploration and mining, MMR has evolved into an important semi-industrial producer with a newly established tin smelter. While expanding its operations, the company has remained supportive of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and local livelihoods.
ITA welcomes this new participation from Africa, joining a growing network of tin producers from four continents who are reporting against the Tin Code. The report highlights MMR’s progress in environmental management, social responsibility, and corporate governance. As a Tin Code participant, MMR is committed to continual progressive improvement.
For a deeper dive into MMR’s Tin Code Report, you can access the full report here.
As part of ongoing ESG efforts, ITA member White Solder has recently undertaken a local community initiative. A community centre was opened in July 2024 to provide essential services and support to local families in Ariquemes, Brazil, its area of influence.
“TST – Todo Saber Transforma – Tânia Saccoman Torrente” features a daycare centre that can accommodate up to 106 children aged 4 months to 5 years and 11 months. This service is offered free of charge, prioritising support to children who are experiencing or are at risk of social vulnerability.
Beyond childcare, the centre is designed to promote professional and technical development for families, providing technical education through professional training rooms, a multimedia education room, a computer room and library. Additionally, the building has an auditorium, a sports court, and a community vegetable garden. This community centre represents the largest social project undertaken by White Solder to date, and included the participation of a significant number of company employees.
White Solder continues to positively impact its stakeholders and contribute to the well-being of the communities where it operates. As an ITA member, they participate in the Tin Code reporting under Principles 5 and 6, which encourages engagement with communities and stakeholders, contributions to their development and allows for progressive improvement when necessary. You can read more about this initiative on White Solder’s Linkedin.
The International Tin Association is pleased to announce that Atlantic Tin, tin-focused mineral exploration and development company and ITA’s Explorers and Developers (E&D) Group Member, has committed to implementing the Tin Code sustainability standard for its Achmachm tin project in Morocco.
This commitment demonstrates Atlantic Tin’s efforts to adopt responsible and sustainable tin mining practices from an early stage during the development of their operation, aligning with the growing global expectations for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the mining sector.
“This commitment is part of Atlantic Tin’s broader strategy to integrate sustainable development goals into its core operations and contribute positively to the global tin supply chain. By aligning with the ITA’s Tin Code, Atlantic Tin also supports the collective movement towards a more sustainable and equitable future for the tin industry.” Atlantic Tin
“The Tin Code is now available to explorers and developers, and it’s great to see companies making use of it. Atlantic Tin’s commitment to the Tin Code positions them as leaders taking steps towards sustainable practices from early on in their tin project development” said Mayra Díaz del Olmo, ITA Sustainability Standards Manager.
You can find more information about Atlantic Tin and the Achmmach Project here
For more information on the Tin Code for E&D’s and how to participate visit our website.
The RTS Group brings together downstream and upstream supply chain actors from all tiers of the tin value chain as a platform for exchanging information, working towards international standards for reporting, and helping to achieve compliance.
We’re hosting the next call on Thursday, June 27th at 3:00 PM CEST to delve into exciting new developments around the Tin Code and responsible sourcing:
• New smelter assurance for responsible tin sourcing
• Latest Tin Code (ESG) reports published and key take-aways
• Highlights from industry gatherings at the International Tin Conference (Penang) and the OECD
Forum for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains
Joining the RTS Group is simple and free. It’s open to any company within the tin supply chain. You can sign up by emailing sonia.marsh@internationaltin.org. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.
Find out more about the RTS Group here.
In a landmark announcement at the International Tin Conference on May 15th, the International Tin Association (ITA) shared the first Explorer & Developer (E&D) Member company reporting against the Tin Code standard. This significant development marks a major step forward in the Tin Code’s mission to promote sustainable practices and progressive improvement within the tin industry.
This underscores the growing commitment of E&D members to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The Tin Code provides a comprehensive framework to promote sustainable tin mining practices, encompassing social and labour practices, environmental protection, health and safety and driving positive improvement in the supply chain.
ITA is thrilled to see E&D members taking concrete steps to implement the Tin Code and to see their ESG commitment starting at an early stage, during the project phase or development of the tin operation.
For more information on the Tin Code and how to participate, visit our website.
You can find more information about the E&D Group here.
Building on the critical role of smelters in supply chain due diligence and managing Annex II risks, ITA and CCCMC will jointly host an in-person Partner Session during the 2024 OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains to take stock of the challenges faced by smelters including confusion over audit standards, training, and expectations, as well as difficulties in managing confidential information. It will also discuss responsibilities of companies and systems, both upstream and downstream and ambitions to achieve fully supply chain due diligence ecosystems. CCCMC and ITA have each separately introduced OECD-aligned assurance systems for control points to enhance their support for and participation in due diligence, with a focus on improving efficiency and functional transparency throughout the supply chain.
The session will take place on Wednesday 22 May 2024 between 17.00-18.00 CEST in room CC18 at the 2024 OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains (Rue André Pascal, 75016 Paris)
Capacity is strictly limited. Advance registration is required at: Partner Session: Chinese Due Diligence Guidelines & Tin Code Assurance Tickets, Wed, May 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite
Simultaneous English-Chinese translation is available.
**Registration is only open to confirmed in-person attendees at the 2024 OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains. Entry to this event does not guarantee entry to the main Forum.**
For more information please contact:
Sonia Marsh, Lead Sustainability Specialist, ITA sonia.marsh@internationaltin.org
Ryan Wen, China Sustainability Manager, ITA wentianhua@internationaltin.org