Improving security, social cohesion and human rights in conflict mineral rich regions of Eastern DRC (Madini kwa Amani na mahendeleo) Poor governance of the mining sector continues to be one of the major factors contributing to conflict in eastern DRC. Four key minerals sit at the centre of this conflict, namely gold and the 3Ts - tin, tungsten and tantalum. In the context of South Kivu and Ituri, these minerals are considered conflict minerals”; the extraction and trade of which contribute to conflict and human rights abuses. They are found in largely isolated, highly unstable areas, where state presence is weak, and Mai Mai and other armed groups operate. Under the current Congolese Government classification system , areas that have a high presence of armed groups and military operations are considered more vulnerable to human rights abuse and are classified as either “yellow” or “red” zone. In 2018, of the 821 sites where 3T or gold was found in South Kivu, 75% of sites were classified as being either yellow or red . Undertaking due diligence on supply chains in accordance with the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act  is extremely difficult to implement in eastern DRC. Gold and 3T products are found in many consumer products; despite responsible sourcing initiatives, such as the Responsible Mineral Initiative, the World Gold Council’s Conflict-Free Gold Standard, and EPRM , studies suggest that major companies such as Amazon and Sony continue to use gold from uncertified mines in eastern DRC , indicating that conflict minerals are still making their way into major global value chains. Specific Objective 1: Contribute to a reduction in conflict and improved security, social cohesion and human rights in targeted red area mining sites through more inclusive pre-validation of these sites
Result 1.1: Conflicts around targeted red mining areas are identified and effectively resolved in a participatory and inclusive manner. 
Result 1.2: Increased trust and collaboration between security actors, artisanal miners and local authorities in targeted red mining areas.
Result 1.3: Increased awareness of, and policy action on, security and human rights concerns in target red areas at provincial and national level translating issues raised in conflict resolution platforms into policy recommendations. Lobbying activities will be undertaken by provincial platforms encouraging validation through the Groupe Conjointe.

Component 2: Regional and Global Lobby & Advocacy 
Specific Objective 2: Increased awareness on key policy issues that contribute to insecurity and human rights abuses in red areas of South Kivu and Ituri
Result 2.1 Increased awareness of the need to address smuggling of conflict minerals in the Great Lakes. Advocacy around regional
Result 2.2 Increased awareness of the need to harmonise tax regimes
Result 2.3: Increased awareness of the need to address the contamination of “clean” 3T and gold supply chains in DRC and the neighbouring countries Artisan miners in targeted areas of Ituri and South Kivu, Ministry of Mines at provincial and national level and counterparts in Rwanda and Uganda, provincial and territorial authorities including security services The general objective of this project is to increase the number of pre-validated mining sites in red areas  of South Kivu and Ituri, and to improve security, social cohesion and human rights protection in these areas, through the promotion of inclusive processes. The project will work at two levels:
Component 1: Pre-validation of red area mining sites: inclusive processes in gold and 3T mine sites to improve security and human rights