PRINCIPLES & STANDARDS

The Tin Code comprises 71 environmental, social and governance standards which support 10 key sustainability (or ESG) principles.

Its development was guided by expectations set by the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the International Labour Organisation, UN Sustainable Development Goals, OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and 3T Supplement and Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

These standards are specific to various areas of the supply chain with some being relevant to explorers and miners, and others to smelters of primary and secondary materials. Depending on the company type and circumstances of the operation, more or less standards will be relevant.

  • 1 Maintain legal compliance and develop sound policies to improve practices
  • 2 Seek continual improvement of environmental performance
  • 3 Seek continual improvement of health and safety performance
  • 4 Seek continual improvement in labour practices
  • 5 Engage with stakeholders using a participatory approach
  • 6 Manage negative impacts on, and contribute to development of, local communities & indigenous peoples
  • 7 Avoid contributing to serious human rights abuses and conflict
  • 8 Seek to positively influence practices of suppliers of materials, goods and services
  • 9 Encourage the understanding, and safe and appropriate use of tin products
  • 10 Work towards reporting against the ITA Tin Code

PRIORITY STANDARDS

The Tin Code accounts for differing levels of progress across all standards. However, participating companies are expected to achieve a “Conforming” level within three years from the start of reporting for ten priority standards. These ten priority standards were selected by the ITA Board Members for their crucial role in ensuring sustainable outcomes in a timely manner:

  • 1.3 Legal compliance
  • 2.8 Tailings management
  • 2.11 Banned substances
  • 2.13 Protected areas
  • 2.14 Closure and reclamation
  • 3.2 Safe working practices
  • 4.4 Forced labour
  • 4.5 Child labour – worst forms
  • 7.2 Use of private or state security personnel
  • 7.3 Responsible sourcing
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