In the December newsletter, we explored the RMI reference list (smelter lists).
As the final topic in this series, we will take a closer look at Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs).
Definition of Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
OECD Definition
Areas where there is the presence of armed conflict, widespread violence, or other risks of harm to individuals.
EU Definition
Areas characterized by armed conflict, post-conflict fragility, weak or non-existent governance, or widespread and systematic violations of human rights.
[EU 2017/821 Conflict minerals regulation]
The two definitions differ in that the OECD definition focuses on armed conflict and the associated social
risks, while the EU definition emphasizes the fragile post-conflict state and systematic violations of human rights, as well as international legal requirements related to these issues.
Guidance for Identifying Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
To assist in identifying conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs), RMI has prepared a sample procedure document for identifying CAHRAs. This document aligns with the requirements defined in the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) and incorporates the OECD Due Diligence Guidance (2017 Edition) for determining the criteria for conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Companies can use the tools publicly provided by RMI to design procedures and determine whether specific regions qualify as conflict-affected and high-risk.
According to the RMI RMAP criteria, at a minimum, the following regions and countries should be included:
Conflict/Responsible Minerals Feature Series
What are Conflict and Responsible Minerals?
OECD 5-Step Framework
AMRT (Formerly PRT) 1.2 & EMRT 1.4
What are RMI and CMRT?
RMI Smelter Lists
Conflict Affected & High Risk Areas (CAHRAs)
In the December newsletter, we explored the RMI reference list (smelter lists).
As the final topic in this series, we will take a closer look at Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs).
Definition of Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
OECD Definition
Areas where there is the presence of armed conflict, widespread violence, or other risks of harm to individuals.
EU Definition
Areas characterized by armed conflict, post-conflict fragility, weak or non-existent governance, or widespread and systematic violations of human rights.
The two definitions differ in that the OECD definition focuses on armed conflict and the associated social
risks, while the EU definition emphasizes the fragile post-conflict state and systematic violations of human rights, as well as international legal requirements related to these issues.
Guidance for Identifying Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
To assist in identifying conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs), RMI has prepared a sample procedure document for identifying CAHRAs. This document aligns with the requirements defined in the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) and incorporates the OECD Due Diligence Guidance (2017 Edition) for determining the criteria for conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Companies can use the tools publicly provided by RMI to design procedures and determine whether specific regions qualify as conflict-affected and high-risk.
According to the RMI RMAP criteria, at a minimum, the following regions and countries should be included:
The Democratic Republic of Congo and its adjoining countries (Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia) (as listed in Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502)
The EU-provided CAHRAs list (EU Regulation 2017/821 Article 14.2)
Conflict/Responsible Minerals Feature Series
What are Conflict and Responsible Minerals?
OECD 5-Step Framework
AMRT (Formerly PRT) 1.2 & EMRT 1.4
What are RMI and CMRT?
RMI Smelter Lists
Conflict Affected & High Risk Areas (CAHRAs)