An independent assessment confirms that the standards and implementation of Tin Code 7.3 Responsible Sourcing Assurance for tin smelters is ‘Fully Aligned’ with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. This achievement reflects the Tin Code’s alignment with internationally recognised due diligence practices for responsible sourcing.
The Tin Code’s responsible policies and standards were independently assessed as ‘Fully Aligned’ in 2021. A further implementation assessment between 2024 and 2026 evaluated how these standards work in practice. To ensure a thorough review, the assessment included site observations at primary and recycling tin smelters in Europe and Africa.
Key strengths in the implementation of the Tin Code programme include:
- Auditors were generally effective in challenging the sites on all areas of the Tin Code standard and underlying expectations set by the OECD.
- A strong focus on ‘continuous improvement’ which is understood by auditors.
- Supporting sites to align with the OECD Guidance while ensuring companies retained individual responsibility for due diligence.
- Knowledgeable auditors adapting assessment approaches and questions to local contexts.
- Highlighting the thoroughness of annual published audit reports and assured company Step 5 reports online, giving stakeholders access to information for efficient due diligence. The Tin Code also provides a public progression chart to demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement.
The report identified only one area for improvement regarding transport documents, which ITA is committed to clarifying as part of its training procedures.
The Tin Code Assurance is increasingly being used by smelters to support responsible sourcing and provides a robust framework for demonstrating due diligence to downstream customers and stakeholders, see reports here. Importantly, the assurance system is also available to non-ITA smelters, enabling wider adoption of OECD-aligned responsible sourcing practices across the tin industry. Outputs from the Tin Code 7.3 assurance feed directly into full ESG Tin Code reports, providing actionable insights on supply chain due diligence and supporting continuous improvement across the sector.
For transparency, ITA has published the final alignment assessment reports here: Tin Code | Responsible Sourcing
International Tin Association (ITA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) during its Annual Conference on High-Quality Growth in Metals, Minerals, Chemicals & Building Materials Industry on 25 March 2026 in Beijing, China.
Both parties believe in the importance of collaboration to support the shared aims of each organisation, and to better promote efficient implementation of sustainability practices including by relevant Chinese companies under the Tin Code and the Chinese Due Diligence Guidelines for Mineral Supply Chains. Through the sharing of experiences and information, the two organisations will support the implementation of good mining practices and supply chain due diligence management based on internationally agreed frameworks and the principle of progressive improvement, and plan to explore enhanced collaboration in related areas that will support and improve areas such as the efficient use of supply chain standards and the available choice and value of different reporting and assurance tools for the upstream industry.
About CCCMC
China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) is a nationwide and industrial non-profit social organisation formed voluntarily by units registered within the territory of the People’s Republic of China according to law and engaged in economic activities in regard to metals & minerals and related products, non-metallic minerals and related products, hardware products, building materials products, petroleum and related products, chemical raw materials and related products, as well as the upstream and downstream industrial chains in the above-mentioned fields. CCCMC works to promote sustainable practices in a wide range of sectors, including through the implementation of the Chinese Due Diligence Guidelines for Mineral Supply Chain.
About ITA
The International Tin Association (ITA) is the organisation dedicated to supporting and representing the global tin industry, with the objective of maintaining an innovative and sustainable supply chain and market for tin and has experts dedicated to markets, technology and sustainability. ITA works with leading tin producers and downstream users in cooperative activities related to important regional and global issues to provide leadership and to communicate a positive and progressive future for the whole tin industry. ITA has members in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas but works to promote sustainable practices of the entire tin related industry, including through the implementation of the Tin Code.
The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce Aurubis Beerse NV’s fourth Tin Code Report, covering 1 January – 31 December 2024. The Belgium-based recycler and refiner of complex, low-grade secondary materials is a leading global producer of recycled tin, delivering a range of non-ferrous metals and minerals.
This latest report highlights Aurubis Beerse’s continued collaboration with the Tin Code and strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance against its 72 standards. Notably, the company demonstrates very strong conformance amongst the 10 Priority Standards: https://tincode.org/principles-and-standards/. Building on previous annual reports, it demonstrates continuous improvement, strengthened alignment with international ESG expectations, and reinforces leadership in sustainable tin production and global tin supply chain transparency.
Key highlights
- Strong management systems: Holds ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 50001 certifications, ensuring robust environmental, health & safety, and energy management practices.
- Governance and transparency: Third-party verified performance in legal compliance, business integrity, whistleblowing, and support for EITI principles.
- Environmental and health & safety performance: Aurubis Beerse achieves third-party verified ratings across all relevant standards under Principles 2 and 3, covering areas such as water, air emissions, GHG and energy management, and safe working practices.
- Labour and human rights due diligence: Improvements in labour standards with verified systems addressing discrimination, harassment, remuneration, forced and child labour, and broader human rights management.
For full details of performance against each Principle and Standard, please access the Tin Code Report here.
The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce that Cornish Tin, a Cornwall-based tin and lithium exploration and development company and ITA E&D Group Member, has committed to implementing the Tin Code ESG-sustainability standard for its flagship projects in West Cornwall, UK: the Great Wheal Vor Project and the Tregonning Project.
This demonstrates Cornish Tin’s strong commitment to responsible mining, sustainable development, and positive impact on local communities and the tin supply chain. By aligning with the Tin Code, Cornish Tin supports the global movement towards more sustainable and transparent practices in the mining and metals sector.
Sally Norcross-Webb, Founder and CEO of Cornish Tin, said: “Our ambition has always been to build a modern mining company that reflects the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance expectations. Committing to the Tin Code reinforces our belief that sustainability must be embedded from the earliest stages of project development. Cornwall has a proud mining heritage, and we are determined to ensure that its next chapter is defined by responsible practices, transparency, and long-term value for local communities.”
Susannah Costley-White, Tin Code Programme Manager at ITA, added: “We are delighted to welcome Cornish Tin to the Tin Code, as our third explorer and developer company since in 2023 we expanded the standard to include early stage projects to promote the adoption of high standards from day one. The Tin Code sets a strong example of how sustainability can be integrated from the earliest stages of development, helping to shape a more responsible future for the tin industry.”
Further information about Cornish Tin and its projects is available at cornishtin.uk. For more information on the Tin Code for E&Ds and how to participate, visit tincode.org/participants and internationaltin.org/explorers-developers-group.
The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce that ARCHE Advisors has expanded its team of auditors registered under Tin Code Assurance, further strengthening the pool of qualified ISAE 3000 auditors. ARCHE Advisors have been a registered since July 2025, and their team now includes Emily Brennan, Kaido Katalsepp, Alejandro López y López, and the most recent addition, Arifzal Adrianto.
The expanded ARCHE team brings extensive global experience and expertise in ESG due diligence, responsible sourcing, and mineral supply chain assessments, with auditors fluent in several languages, supported by credentials such as Tin Code, RMI, Copper Mark, LBMA, and ICMM audits.
A strong, diverse Tin Code auditor network: https://tincode.org/registered-auditors/
They conduct Tin Code 7.3 Responsible Sourcing audits, now available to all tin smelters, not just ITA members: https://tincode.org/now-available-tin-code-standard-7-3-responsible-sourcing-independent-assurance-for-all-tin-smelters/
Publicly available Tin Code audit reports can be viewed on our website: https://tincode.org/tin-code-reports/responsible-sourcing-assurance/
ITA and RMI jointly developed the Assessment Criteria for Tin Smelting Companies (v2 2019) with the agreed aim to clarify upstream and downstream understanding of due diligence and a standard aligned with the OECD Guidance.
Following implementation by both organisations of assessments against the Criteria between 2023 and 2025, RMI announced in December 2025 that it will cease conducting assessments against the Criteria effective 1st January 2026. This RMI decision was taken due to limited uptake of assessments against the Criteria, and to focus for tin exclusively on RMI’s own RMAP Tin and Tantalum Standard (2017).
To maintain audit choice for tin smelters, ITA will continue to offer and manage assessments against the Tin Criteria under the Tin Code Assurance Process which has strong uptake.
Both organisations are committed to avoiding duplicated assessments and will actively explore appropriate means to achieve that throughout 2026.
For questions about this update or assessments against the Tin Criteria, please contact: Sonia Marsh (sonia.marsh@internationaltin.org), Daniel Zamora (daniel.zamora@Internationaltin.org).
In November, ITA’s Tin Code Programme Manager Susannah Costley-White, together with independent assessors from Green Horizons Ltd, visited leading tin producers MSC (Malaysia Smelting Corporation) and state-owned company PT Timah Tbk in Indonesia, as well as separately to PT Mitra Stania Prima’s (PT MSP) smelter.
The visits provided an opportunity to engage closely with members and local stakeholders, observe operations first-hand, and support MSC and PT Timah with their upcoming Tin Code reports. This included guidance on evidence submission and alignment with Tin Code standards, helping to ensure best practice in sustainable tin production. The team explored how ITA members apply the Tin Code principles, including environmental management, health & safety, labour practices, legal compliance, human rights, and community and stakeholder engagement.
In Malaysia, ITA toured MSC’s smelting facilities, discussing ESG initiatives and practical Tin Code implementation. In Indonesia, the team visited PT Timah’s onshore and offshore mining operations and local projects in Bangka, gaining insight into how the company manages varying operations in the local context.
The visit to PT MSP’s smelter offered insight into their operations and potential collaboration on sustainability practices under the Tin Code.
ITA thanks MSC, PT Timah, and PT Mitra Stania Prima for their warm welcome and looks forward to visiting more members to support them with Tin Code reporting and sustainable tin production.
MSC is a Member of the International Tin Association and participant of the Tin Code.
PT Timah is a Member of the International Tin Association and participant of the Tin Code.
Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad (MSC), a leading tin producer, has achieved a Third-Party Verified rating for Standard 7.3 (Responsible Sourcing) at its Pulau Indah smelter under the established Tin Code Assurance.
The independent verification conducted by third-party auditors confirms that MSC’s due diligence systems and public reporting meet the standards set by Standard 7.3 assessed against the ITA-RMI Assessment Criteria for Tin Smelting Companies (version 2, 25th March 2021) and are fully aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Sourcing of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High Risk Areas.
This marks the third consecutive year that MSC has undergone independent assurance under the Tin Code, reflecting its commitment to transparency, responsible sourcing, and continuous improvement in supply chain practices.
The Responsible Sourcing rating will be included in MSC’s upcoming comprehensive Tin Code Report, which covers all 72 environmental, social, and governance standards.
For further details, the rating letter, full assurance report, and due diligence documentation are available on the Tin Code website here.
The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce that Minsur has become the first ITA member to achieve full conformance with all 10 Tin Code Priority Standards, marking a significant step.
The published 2024 Tin Code Report confirms that Minsur has met expectations across the Priority Standards – covering legal compliance; tailings management; banned substances; protected areas; closure and reclamation; safe working practices; forced labour; child labour – worst forms; use of private or state security personnel; and responsible sourcing.
Minsur’s performance reflects sustained investment in management systems, year‑on‑year improvements across all 72 Tin Code standards, and transparent disclosure. ITA commends the company’s leadership, and its commitment to raising benchmarks for workers, communities and customers.
“Congratulations to Minsur. It is a privilege to support their journey. Their dedication to continuous improvement sets a strong example for the industry,” said Susannah Costley‑White, Programme Manager, Tin Code.
Read the full report here: Tin Code Reports
Minsur’s achievement sets a benchmark for other tin producers working towards Priority Standard conformance, highlights Minsur’s leadership in promoting ESG and sustainable practices throughout its operations, and demonstrates what is possible through strong systems, transparent reporting and continuous improvement.
The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce publication of Fenix Metals Sp. z o.o.’s latest Tin Code Report. Fenix is a Poland-based recycler producing refined tin and alloys at its Chmielów smelter. The report highlights high ratings and continued collaboration with the Tin Code.
Key highlights
- Strong systems and assurance: Third-party verified ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 health & safety management, with verified controls for water quality and consumption, air emissions, and hazardous/non-hazardous waste. Energy efficiency is tracked via audit and intensity metrics.
- Governance & transparency: Conformance maintained across core governance standards and newly conforming on transparency (EITI support) under Standard 1.5. This is Fenix’s fourth Tin Code report, evidencing continued collaboration and progressive improvement.
- Responsible sourcing: Conforming with international expectations aligned to the OECD 3T Supplement. Fenix primarily sources secondary materials and its due-diligence system was assessed against the fully aligned responsible sourcing Tin Criteria under the RMAP process.
For full details of performance against each Principle and Standard see here.