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The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce that the Tin Code Standard 7.3 (Responsible Sourcing) independent assurance framework is now open to all tin smelters worldwide. 

Tin Code Standard 7.3 Assurance offers independent third-party verification that enables tin smelters to evaluate potential risks, seek to avoid support to conflict and human rights abuses, as well as publicly reporting on those efforts. It considers key international standards and expectations as follows:   

• Standards of the Tin Assessment Criteria and audit process ‘Fully Aligned’ with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas 
• Accepted under London Metals Exchange Responsible Sourcing Rules ‘Track A’ 
• Expectations under EU ‘Responsible Minerals’ Regulation (2017/821*1) 

Why choose Tin Code 7.3 for responsible sourcing audit? 

• Choose from a variety of experienced and ITA-registered international audit firms  
• Be issued with informative audit reports and a Tin Code 7.3 Rating featuring additional information to satisfy customer requirements  
• Support and encouragement for continuous improvement  
• Gain access to ITA experts with extensive knowledge and experience in the 3T sector. 

Annual reporting against Standard 7.3 has benefited leading tin smelters in ITA’s membership through clear standards, improvements to due diligence systems, and the quality of reporting. We are delighted to now extend the same opportunity to all tin smelters globally, allowing them to advantage of the Tin Code’s 7.3 standard and support on responsible sourcing.  

To apply, or request additional information, please contact; tincode@internationaltin.org. 

The International Tin Association (ITA) is pleased to announce the publication of Mining Mineral Resources SAS (MMR)’s second Tin Code Report. The report highlights higher ratings across several areas, continued collaboration with the Tin Code, and clear progress towards progressive improvement.

Since its first report, MMR has strengthened policies and procedures, including expanded third-party verification via ISO certifications, deeper engagement with suppliers of artisanal and small-scale mined (ASM) material, and further development of social and environmental programmes. The full report can be read here.

For responsible sourcing, MMR underwent independent third-party assessments of their smelter in Lubumbashi, 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.

ITA is delighted with MMRs participation from Africa, continuing to be part of a growing network of tin producers from four continents who are reporting against the Tin Code. 

The International Tin Association (ITA) has launched the Responsible Tin Network, a new initiative created to drive collaboration, close critical engagement gaps, and advance responsible sourcing and ESG practices across the global tin supply chain.

Over the past year, ITA’s Sustainability team has made significant strides in engaging with stakeholders throughout the value chain, from smelters and recyclers to major brand users. These discussions highlighted a clear need for a focused, action-driven platform to tackle shared challenges and build more transparent, resilient supply chains.

As global expectations around responsible sourcing, ESG performance, and supply chain transparency continue to intensify, there has never been a more important time for the tin industry to come together. The Responsible Tin Network is designed to meet this moment by fostering practical cooperation and helping participants stay ahead of rising regulatory and customer demands.

Through this network, companies gain direct access to a collaborative platform where they can:

• Share real-world ESG experiences and navigate emerging challenges
• Promote the active use of Tin Code reports and independent audit outcomes
• Develop scalable solutions that drive measurable impact
• Build stronger relationships across the supply chain

By leveraging the Tin Code, ITA’s comprehensive framework for responsible tin production and sourcing, participants will be better positioned to improve traceability, address current and emerging supply chain due diligence issues, and explore circular economy opportunities through recycled tin.

Participation in the Responsible Tin Network is free until June 2026, with early registration offering companies a unique opportunity to shape joint priorities and influence the industry agenda from the outset.

Companies interested in joining can express their interest here: Confirmation of Interest Form

For more information, including FAQs and a detailed overview of the network click here or please download the following document or: Responsible Tin Network – Overview & FAQ

For other questions please contact: Daniel Zamora, daniel.zamora@internationaltin.org

Reflections from ITA, informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement and insights from the OECD 2025 Forum

The responsible minerals landscape is evolving, with a clear shift toward more integrated, transparent, and impact-focused approaches to due diligence. These emerging trends, reinforced during the OECD 2025 Forum, closely align with the value delivered through our Sustainability team’s recent work and practical tools offered by the Tin Code.

Due Diligence as Continuous Improvement

There is increasing recognition that due diligence is not a one-time task, but a continuous process of improvement. Companies are moving away from “tick-box” approaches in favour of more risk-based strategies that rely on more complete and accurate information from their supply chains. This echoes the Tin Code’s emphasis on progressive improvement and transparency.

Collaboration Across the Supply Chain

Stronger upstream and downstream engagement is becoming essential. Industry actors are calling for more meaningful engagement to build mutual understanding, address shared risks, and collaborate on solutions. ITA’s local and on-the-ground relationships and upcoming downstream-upstream working group will facilitate these connections in a practical and constructive way.

Interoperability over Uniformity

Rather than converge around a single industry standard, leading companies increasingly favour a system of interoperable, aligned frameworks that offer flexibility without compromising credibility. Clear equivalence and shared data structures are to enable efficiency across standards. The standards of the Code’s Responsible Sourcing assurance being “fully aligned” to OECD Due Diligence Guidance, supports these efforts for the tin industry.

Transparency & ESG Reporting

Industry actors are seeking better access to reliable information through simplified and consistent reporting mechanisms. ITA’s Tin Code reports contribute to this need by offering structured reporting through independently validated and publicly available information that help companies meet growing expectations for ESG disclosure.

Practical and Credible Assurance

Assurance systems or “audit programs” must be practical in real-world conditions. Auditor feedback highlighted at the OECD Forum brought renewed attention to the feasibility and clarity of audit program’s requirements. ITA is committed to continuous dialogue and training with audit firms and smelters being audited to ensure the Tin Code’s Assurance system remains practical, and credible following well structured implementation criteria.

Responsible Inclusion of ASM

As the sector grows more inclusive, support for responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is gaining traction. Recognized as a vital part of many mineral supply chains, ASM requires tailored tools and guidance. Through Principle 8 of the Tin Code and our ASM Handbook, ITA actively seeks to influence continuous improvement of ASM practices, including supporting formalization efforts.

Conclusion

These evolving trends reflect a broader shift in the industry towards a more inclusive, and more efficient mineral supply chain. As a metal association, ITA remains at the forefront of this transition, offering tools, reporting systems, and stakeholder engagement strategies to support the tin sector and its actors in line with industry wide expectations.

We are pleased to announce this month’s publication of a Tin Code Report for: Bluestone Mines Tasmania Joint Venture Pty Ltd (Renison Bell Tin Mine – located in Tasmania, Australia). This is Bluestone’s fourth Tin Code Report demonstrating Bluestone’s achievements; and illustrating it’s continued collaboration with the Tin Code towards continuous improvement.

This report highlights achievements across several Principles of the Tin Code, with most standards achieving ratings of Conforming and Third-Party Verified in this report. Bluestone has demonstrated improvements in several areas, including governance, environmental performance, health and safety, labour practices, and stakeholder engagement (Principles 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively).

For further insights into Bluestone’s commitment to sustainability you can access the Tin Code Report here.

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.