About Us
Operations
Mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) holds immense economic significance, contributing significantly to the country's GDP and export revenues. The DRC is renowned for its extensive mineral wealth, with copper and cobalt reserves standing out as vital components of its natural resource endowment.
ROK is a for profit company headquartered in the DRC, established with the aim of engaging in mining and the production of critical metals. The company places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable operations, job creation, and the provision of employment opportunities for women. ROK maintains the highest international standards of transparency and accountability.
Overall, mining within the DRC presents substantial prospects for economic growth, but it requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to effectively address environmental, social, and governance challenges. This approach is essential to unlocking the sector's complete potential in a manner that is both sustainable and equitable.
ROK has curated a portfolio encompassing high-grade copper/cobalt tailings, as well as exploitation and exploration licenses situated in the heart of the DRC's copper belt, primarily centered around Kolwezi and Likasi. The company is actively developing a copper/cobalt leaching beneficiation plant in Likasi, which is set to yield high-grade copper cathode production in the latter half of 2023.
Sustainability
ROK, in partnership with its U.S. investment support, is firmly committed to ethical mining practices for exports to U.S. and European markets. With its capital, ROK aims to make a significant impact on both the industry and the local community in Likasi and Kolwezi. This involves increased employment of local workers, provision of healthcare to employees, and the reduction of the operation's environmental footprint. ROK strives to provide Western buyers with a completely vertically integrated source of copper and cobalt, free from involvement in the informal supply chain fraught with child labor, unsafe labor practices, and environmental degradation.
ROK places a strong emphasis on sustainable mining. This entails the responsible and efficient extraction of copper while mitigating adverse environmental, social, and economic effects. Copper, an indispensable metal in various industries, can have notable environmental repercussions during extraction and processing. ROK's approach to sustainable copper mining aims to harmonize the demand for copper with the protection of the planet and local communities. The core components of our sustainable operations are outlined below:
- Environmental Impact: ROK is dedicated to diminishing the environmental impact of mining activities. This encompasses strategies to curtail water usage, manage air emissions, and responsibly handle waste. Our modern mining methods strive to limit habitat destruction, prevent soil erosion, and conserve biodiversity in the vicinity of mining sites.
- Energy Efficiency: ROK endeavors to optimize energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The incorporation of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources serves to mitigate the mining sector's contribution to climate change.
- Water Management: Recognizing the significant water demands of mining, ROK employs sustainable practices such as efficient water management, recycling, and reuse, along with the implementation of water treatment systems. These measures minimize water consumption, thereby alleviating stress on local water resources.
- Social Responsibility: ROK's approach prioritizes the well-being of local communities. This entails respecting community rights, ensuring equitable labor practices, and upholding health and safety standards for all workers. ROK commits to a series of community development initiatives.
- Reclamation and Site Restoration: Upon the completion of mining operations, ROK is dedicated to land reclamation and site restoration to rehabilitate ecosystems and restore the land as closely as possible to its natural state.
- Responsible Sourcing: ROK is steadfast in sourcing copper responsibly, considering elements such as ethical and transparent labor practices, community engagement, and adherence to environmental regulations throughout its supply chains.
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: ROK actively engages with stakeholders, including local communities, environmental organizations, and government authorities. This collaboration is essential for comprehending concerns and devising mutually beneficial solutions.
ROK's commitment to sustainable mining necessitates a holistic approach addressing the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of mining activities. By embracing these responsible practices and continuously refining our processes, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet. Over time, these efforts will result in tangible and lasting enhancements in the quality of life for those impacted by our operations. The transformation of natural resources into sustainable development stands at the core of our operations.
ESG Compliance
Similar to businesses across various industries, mining companies are increasingly directing their attention towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. This focus underscores their commitment to sustainability, responsibility, and ethical practices. Below are some key objectives of ROK's core ESG focus areas:
- Managing Reputational and Regulatory Risks
- Controlling Costs and Driving Efficiencies
- Building Strong Stakeholder Relationships
- Attracting, Training, and Retaining Talented Employees
By aligning our practices with ESG objectives, we not only bolster our reputation but also appeal to responsible investors, contributing to a more ethical and sustainable global mining sector. ESG compliance transcends the mere fulfillment of basic requirements; it involves active endeavors to generate positive social and environmental impacts.
Governance
ROK is steadfast in maintaining a high standard of corporate governance practices, achieved through a robust Board, sound internal controls, and unwavering transparency and accountability to all stakeholders. Our overarching governance objective is to establish a structured framework that guides decision-making, accountability, and responsibility. Governance encompasses the formulation of regulations, processes, systems, and rules that direct the conduct and actions of individuals, organizations, or institutions to achieve specific goals. While the precise aims of governance can vary based on context, our shared fundamental aspirations encompass:
- Transparency: Governance strives to ensure that decisions, actions, and procedures are conducted openly and with transparency. This cultivation of transparency nurtures trust and confidence among stakeholders, empowering them to hold decision-makers accountable for their actions.
- Accountability: A cornerstone of good governance is accountability, whereby individuals or entities are held answerable for their choices and performance.
- Equity and Fairness: ROK endeavors to foster equity and fairness by guaranteeing that decisions and policies remain impartial and devoid of discrimination against any particular group. Our objective is to equitably distribute resources and opportunities.
- Rule of Law: ROK seeks to establish and uphold the rule of law, ensuring consistent and impartial application of laws and regulations.
- Long-term Sustainability: Our vision extends to a forward-looking perspective, contemplating the repercussions of decisions and policies on future generations. Sustainable governance mandates responsible resource management and the harmonization of environmental, social, and economic considerations.
- Ethical Behavior: Governance of high caliber endeavors to propagate ethical behavior and integrity within individuals and organizations. Ethical governance ensures that decisions stem from moral principles and actively discourages corruption.
All in all, our paramount governance objective is to create an environment conducive to the prosperity of individuals, organizations, and societies, while upholding core values such as accountability, equity, transparency, and long-term sustainability.