Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) one of the Africa’s leading copper and cobalt producers has highlighted its commitment to responsible mining and community development at the recently concluded Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 event.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the event, John Woto, Deputy General Manager at TFM said that the company’s major achievements is demonstrated in its commitment to responsible mining for a better world.
“We want to continue raising industry standards in sustainability and social impact,” said Woto.
TFM is one of the largest producers of copper and cobalt, with its mines and processing facilities located in the African Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In 2024, TFM became the first African company to earn The Copper Mark certification, a globally recognized assurance standard that promotes responsible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc value chains. This certification underscores TFM’s commitment to sustainable and ethical mining operations.
Copper Mark certification
According to Woto there are several key milestones demonstrating TFM’s leadership in responsible mining. Notably, TFM became the first company in Africa to achieve The Copper Mark certification for 2024, a globally recognized assurance framework for responsible copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc production.
Established in 2020, The Copper Mark evaluates facilities based on stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, ensuring sustainable and ethical mining practices.
This achievement underscores TFM’s commitment to responsible sourcing and production in alignment with global industry standards.
Local community investment
Another is pioneering local community investment where TFM set a precedent in community development by committing 0.3% of its revenue to local projects—well before this became a legal requirement under the Mining Code.
Through its “DOT TFM” initiative, the company has funded essential infrastructure, including a 200m³ water tower, a 200-bed hospital, and an Institute of Applied Technology.
Additional projects include malaria prevention programs, healthcare worker training, and road improvements. TFM collaborates with local authorities to ensure these investments directly benefit the surrounding communities.
Global recognition
The third one is global recognition for outstanding contributions whereby in January 2024, TFM received a Certificate of Merit from the World Customs Organization during International Customs Day in Kinshasa.
The award recognized TFM as the highest-paying economic operator in duties and taxes for 2023, highlighting its commitment to fiscal responsibility. By consistently fulfilling its tax obligations, TFM has played a crucial role in supporting the Congolese economy, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to national development.
lastly is the Job Creation and Workforce Development TFM in which the company currently provides nearly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a strong emphasis on hiring local talent.
Optimizing Operations for Growth in 2025
Looking ahead, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) is focused on optimizing its existing operations to enhance production efficiency.
“TFM already operates a 10,000-ton-per-day plant, another 11,000-ton plant, as well as 15,000-ton and 30,000-ton plants,” said John Woto.
With these expansions, TFM is reinforcing its position as a leader in responsible and sustainable mining in Africa, setting new industry benchmarks while driving economic and social development in the region.