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At Chemaf, corporate responsibility is treated as an intrinsic part of running a successful operation. It is not an optional extra.
Our success depends in no small part on the benefits we are able to provide to the local community. Investment in the communities around Mutoshi and Etoile began before Virtus and Lloyds formally completed the acquisition, and our programs are focused on the basics that matter most locally: water, health, education and opportunities for local people.
Water, health, education and infrastructure
Chemaf is digging bore wells across local communities to provide access to clean, safe drinking water. Five bore wells have been completed at Mutoshi, namely in the villages of Kabamba, Kazembe Lukwesa, Mutakamari, Tshipuki and Tshindjamba, serving 800 households in total.
5 bore wells
800 households
Chemaf has deployed a malaria prevention program reaching over 400 families with distributed nets, testing and treatment. The Lubumbashi Polyclinic, founded in 2006, and satellite clinics near our operations provide care to employees and community members, including an ophthalmology center offering free eye tests and cataract surgery.
400+ families
Polyclinic since 2006
Chemaf has built and equipped schools at Ruashi, Bukanada and Shindaika, donated laboratory equipment to the University of Lubumbashi, and supports employees' children with monthly school allowances and higher education scholarships.
Chemaf maintains the Kiwele road linking Etoile with Lubumbashi and has built bridges at Musanji and Tondo to improve local access.
Chemaf's copper and cobalt sit inside a global supply chain that customers, regulators and governments increasingly want to see traced end to end. Our priority is a traceable, auditable, safety-first supply chain, for every customer. Responsible investment means accepting scrutiny and delivering measurable benefits for workers and communities. Our ambition is to apply world-leading standards on the ground, and to be able to evidence them to customers, regulators and communities alike.
Chemaf is a member of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). Etoile has received recognition under the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) in every year assessed since 2019. Our approach aligns with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and with the London Metal Exchange's Responsible Sourcing requirements.
We publish our Mineral Sourcing Policy and an annual Due Diligence Activities Report.
View DocumentsSafety comes first on every Chemaf site. Our Safety, Health, Risk, Environment and Quality policy applies to employees, managers and contractors alike, and everyone who works on our sites is trained and equipped to work safely.
Part of our power comes from hydroelectric supply, and we work to reduce our footprint further through environmental risk management, training, and adherence to international standards.
Keeping people employed through a construction period that is not yet generating revenue is a deliberate choice. 2,000 existing jobs were preserved as part of the takeover, demonstrating our commitment to the operations and to securing the economic futures of the communities that Chemaf supports.
Beyond retaining the existing workforce, the restart has created substantial new employment. Headcount is growing, with knock-on benefits for local procurement, household incomes and commercial activity. In addition to the 2,000 existing jobs preserved, the restart has created roughly 2,000 construction contractors across the two sites. Experienced former staff are rejoining the business, and Congolese leaders continue to hold senior roles across the business, bringing many years of experience working directly on Chemaf's sites.
Figures as of October 2026.
Chemaf takes a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and is committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity wherever we operate. Responsible investment means accepting scrutiny. Our Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Human Rights, Mineral Sourcing and Responsible Minerals Initiative policies are published on our Documents page.
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