Lifting the Stone- Business Case for Responsible Mineral Sourcing in Asia

Lifting the Stone The Business Case for Responsible Mineral Sourcing in Asia June 2021 Photo credits Cover Syed Ali Unsplash Page 12 The Chery A East Concessions Dali Myanmar A sedimentary quartzite quarry with a mechanized crusher Nathan Paust Pact 2019 Page 14 Diamond polynomial fitting for two mica samples collected from Myanmar International Tin Association Page 16 Photo by Alnoor Ladha on Unsplash Page 18 Fergus Quin MST Page 21 Thai ruby miners by Paddy Dowling IM4DC 2021 Page 22 Clear ruby corundum forms in metamorphic mineral deposits with complementary mineral by Paddy Dowling IM4DC 2021 Page 27 Gem traders in Myanmar WCS 2017 Page 31 Gem trader in Myanmar WCS 2017 Page 36 Zircons under UV light Credit LK Research Page 40 Ruby wash plants by Paddy Dowling IM4DC 2021 Page 47 Burmese ruby mining by Paddy Dowling IM4DC 2021 Photos used for the map on the cover throughout the report Gerard Lacey Katang Miner jewellery Myanmar Pact 2019 at Shutterstockcom Ducks on the Yaw River Myanmar Norbert Neetz at Shutterstockcom Young woman carrying leaf litters Myanmar Boredpanda at Shutterstockcom Kachin Minerals and Gemstone Company Factory Myanmar Nathan Paust Pact 2019 Front Page Photo by Syed Ali on Unsplash Back Cover Photo by Charles Chen on Unsplash About this Report The Lifting the Stone report is based on research commissioned by The Tiffany Co Foundation and conducted by the International Tin Association with primary data collected by Mines to Markets The report aims to strengthen responsible mineral sourcing initiatives in key Asian supply chains identified as vital by global product markets and endconsumers Research is based on field observations and mineral sampling at known sources in northern Myanmar northwest Vietnam and northern Thailand combined with literature assessment and industry expert interviews It highlights the mineral value chain to the downstream stage of local processing artisanal mining practices and supply challenges while focusing on the role of smelters and processing companies in facilitating responsible mineral sourcing procedures This report has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest and neither The Tiffany Co Foundation the International Tin Association nor Mines to Markets Ltd are by means of this report rendering professional advice or services Neither The Tiffany Co Foundation the International Tin Association nor Mines to Markets Ltd shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this publication For enquiries please contact infometalsinasiacom wwwmetalsinasiacom Lifting the Stone The Business Case for Responsible Mineral Sourcing in Asia The Tiffany Co Foundation June 2021 Prepared by The International Tin Association and Mines to Markets