Resource Matters - transparency in the cobalt value chain

Transparency in the cobolt value chain -Resource Matters has further developed the platform showing the cobalt value chain, added companies and worked on connecting it to other databases. -The platform has been presented in different fora to raise awareness and get input on improvements. Development of national strategy -A 3-day workshop was held that brought together 30 key actors from Congolese civil society (NGOs, citizen movements, representatives of local communities, and scientists). During the workshop, they reflected on the key themes that should constitute the Congolese civil society strategy on the exploitation of strategic minerals for the energy transition. -A committee with public agencies has been created and facilitated by Resource Matters. This was also possible thanks to that Sweden as a funder is seen as a good actor with the good of the DRC in mind rather then a political agenda. -Resource Matters has started creating a draft national strategy(according to a wish from national agencies)to be used as a basis for discussion at the national forum thats planned to be held in 2024. Promote civil society advocacy During 2022 2023 two pilots have been started, one focusing on environmental effects from mining and one focusing on human rights. Research gathering data is ongoing. Organisational development Resource Matters has been working very actively on their organisational development. They have also been very transparent with the embassy on their challenges and not been shy to ask for advice and give updates on progress. They have been very grateful for input from the embassy controller and always approached the process with a positive attitude. Here are seme of the main results and activities implemented: -An action plan for dealing with comments from the Internal Steering and Control review has been created together including a timeline. -Recruited staff to improve their internal administrative routines -Broadened its donor base -Developed an organizational budget, strategy and logical framework instead of being project dependent. -Developed more systematic monitoring of results and indicators -Appointed a security focal point in Kinhasa -Developed an anti-corruption policy and improved their staff code of conduct. -Implemented double bookkeeping and started transitioning to Winbooks. -Financial coding of expenses brought up to date -Started updating their financial manual -Implemented a payroll system -Weekly staff meetings to monitor and follow-up on results Even though a small organisation Resource Matters is an organisation that is well respected. It is noted that they are listened to in both national and international fora. Comunications between the embassy and Resource Matters have been frequent and easy. Resource Matters has always updated the embassy regarding progress, if they have any strategic reflections they want to discuss, listened to input and had a positive approach. They have been good at developing a partnership and not only financial support. This has been very good since it has not only helped the embassy to do follow-up but also been a good source of information and learning regarding developments in the mining sector, corruption and technical aspects. Thanks to the good dialogue both the embassy and Resource Matters have been able to connect with interesting and relevant other actors. Resource Matters have also been able to deliver results despite being put under pressure due to their anti-corruption work, they and their vice director general were sued by a big enterprise and staff are under pressure from government actors etc. Might be worth mentioning that their vice director general got the anti-corruption award from american state secretary Blinken in 2023. Furthermore they have also been very open to dialogue and coordination with other actors in civil society. Resource Matters is one of the contributions in the portfolio that is delivering the best, even beyond expectations.

Resource Matters is an international NGO, based in Brussels, Belgium, with a predominant focus on improved governance of natural resources. In the DRC context, this has led to a focus on the transparency of the extractive industry, as well as its links to the energy domain. It has a high credibility with an extensive network in the DRC. Since its founding 2017, it has a stellar reputation in the Congolese context. It works in close collaboration with local civil society groups, encouraging them to network and join forces for increased impact. Resource Matters will receive support to build on its cobalt supply chain pilot map to offer a comprehensive overview of all actors along the chain to a wide variety of stakeholders involved in making the energy transition a reality. The present proposal lists technical improvements and a series of activities to ensure that the tool will effectively reach and be used by stakeholders. The new extended verison will not only include the source of the cobolt but also be connect to other platforms that report about violations of human rights and the environment. The contribution will also include capacity development for Resource Matters.