On the ground, the project will work on improving Brazilian tin ASM production by adapting the CRAFT Code, including developing assessment tools, plans, and procedures specific to tin mining. Training programs for local stakeholders, including instructors, will be designed and implemented, and a multi-stakeholder network will be mobilised to monitor and report incidents and implement measures. The project will work with the cooperatives to allow them to regulate themselves through the emission of a CRAFT Report that guarantees that the tin is produced following OCDE’s Due Diligence and regulations like the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation. Drone (RPA) and satellite images will help monitor the exploitation areas. These will ensure fair prices for garimpos and mineral cooperatives that comply with better practices through an agreement with the buyers, which guarantees a stable and responsible supply as well as the means for the garimpos and mineral cooperatives to sustain and continue developing their practices.  

In the market, the project aims to facilitate the purchase of CRAFT tin by downstream actors by connecting collectives of artisanal tin producers (OCBs) with downstream market actors, demonstrating the viability and desirability of responsibly sourced tin. For this purpose, a pilot of a CRAFT credit model designed and implemented for Brazilian gold ASM will be adapted to tin and initiated.  

The project will also focus on applied academic research and knowledge production, contributing to improving best practices in artisanal tin mining and national public policy related to tin production in Brazil. Key policy-related outputs include a geographical analysis with land use mapping and monitoring, environmental impact assessments, development of remediation strategies, stakeholder impact analysis, and mineral fingerprinting. These outputs aim to inform authorities responsible for national policies and international forums about the challenges and opportunities in the tin mining sector in the Brazilian Amazon.  

Overall, this project represents a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to promoting responsible and sustainable tin mining in Brazil, addressing the industry’s social, environmental, and economic aspects while contributing to global efforts for a just energy transition.

This project seeks to bring about positive transformation in Brazil’s artisanal and small-scale tin mining sector, particularly in the Amazon region. The research will focus on cassiterite mineral production within the Ariquemenes region, a key hub for artisanal tin mining in the state of Rondônia that produces over half of Brazil’s tin. The primary objectives include reducing conflict, promoting development in local communities, mitigating environmental impacts, and establishing a responsible supply chain for tin.  

We expect to catalyse a profound transformation within several noteworthy tin ASM organisations in the Brazilian Amazon in the medium term (PRIMARLY COOPERSANTA AND COOPERMETAL). Specifically, these organisations will demonstrate a steadfast commitment to responsible production. Serving as examples, they are poised to set a standard for others operating in the region.  

Simultaneously, there will be a noticeable uplift in the development of local mining communities, accompanied by a reduction in conflicts among ASM organisations, mining communities, and traditional (Indigenous and quilombola) groups in the project-impacted region. These will effectively address and mitigate environmental adversities outlined in Annex II of the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance.  

The transformative process will establish a scalable mechanism for responsibly sourcing tin. This mechanism will be readily available for downstream actors who share a commitment to the responsible mineral agenda and advocate for a just energy transition on a global scale.  

The proposed initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of Brazilian tin ASM organisations in the Amazon Region by establishing infrastructure, transferring social technology, and building local capabilities to assess and support the implementation of best practices. Implementing a self- sustainable and scalable system will be founded on an Instructor Training Program that will encompass the adaptation of assessment tools alongside procedures for monitoring and reporting incidents for ASM tin mining in Brazil. The initiative includes a robust Monitoring and Reporting system, utilising CRAFT reports to document incidents and implemented measures. This involves mobilising actors, governance implementation, and audits to ensure accountability. A responsible tin market and supply chain will be developed, engaging downstream actors by presenting CRAFT reports, leading to formalised commercial agreements with ASM tin organisations. The downstream actors commit to purchasing tin from the CRAFT scheme, fostering sustainability. Finally, the initiative aims to generate knowledge for policymakers and supply chain actors, aligning strategies with long- term sustainability goals. These involve establishing a baseline through socio-environmental characterisation combined with occupation and land-use mapping, producing and disseminating reports, and providing recommendations based on acquired knowledge. The objective is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and on-the-ground reality, ensuring that sustainable practices are implemented, reported, and continually improved for long-term impact.  

Outcome 1: ASM tin mines (Garimpos de Cassiterita) comply with CRAFT .
Outcome 2: Upstream Assurance CRAFT tin Scheme implemented aiming at promoting responsible tin sourcing
Outcome 3: Market actors support the connection with responsible CRAFT tin from Brazil 
Outcome 4: Authorities responsible for national public policy and fiscalization schemes in Brazil and international forums are better informed about the context of tin source and production in the Brazilian Amazon region, challenges and opportunities to advance in responsible practices