CMOC said it was joining RCS Global's Better Mining upstream assurance and impact program programme to benefit communities that are reliant on ASM.

"As a large industrial miner that maintains strict product control and custody procedures, ASM sits outside of our own cobalt supply chain but we recognize that ASM, and those communities reliant on it, should not be neglected," said Julie Liang, director of CMOC's Sustainability Executive Committee.

"As a key actor in the global mining sector, CMOC is committed to ensuring all mineral production meets the highest standards."

Better Mining last year monitored 27 cobalt, copper and 3 tungsten ASM mine sites, and  raised 480 corrective actions related to ASM across seven risk areas.

"CMOC's decision to join as a supporter is another significant sign of the growing importance of Better Mining and the momentum behind the program's expansion." Ferdinand Maubrey, managing director at RCS Global Group.

Artisanal cobalt extraction is prevalent in areas of the DRC near China Molybdenum Co.'s massive Tenke Fungurume copper and cobalt project.