Metalkol’s response to RAID June 2025 report titled “No excuse for poverty pay: NGO’s call out mining companies during DRC Mining Week 2025” [14 July 2025]

*Metalkol SA (“Metalkol”), a Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) entity, takesthe recent statements reported in the RAID article, “No excuse for poverty pay: NGOs call out mining companies during DRC Mining Week 2025”, with the utmost seriousness and refutes the claims. Metalkol has in place collective agreements for our workforce in full compliance with national labour laws and pays competitive rates. We are transparent in our labour practices and are committed to continuous dialogue to ensure we do not just meet but set new standards in fair pay to improve the welfare of our employees, contractors, and surrounding communities.

In addition to complying with national labour laws, we reaffirm our commitment to respecting and upholding internationally recognised human rights and labour standards. We operate in strict compliance with the:

• ERG Human Rights Policy

• ERG Code of Conduct

• ERG Africa SHS policy

• Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework

• Metalkol Human Rights Statement of Commitment

• ERG Supplier Code of Conduct

Further, ERG is committed to the United Nations’ (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights Framework (UNGPS) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our operations are audited annually by independent third parties, who confirmed that in recent years, there were no any systemic issues of wage violations. Metalkol’s Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework is independently assured by PwC and we are fully aligned with the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP). In addition, Metalkol became the first tailings reprocessing operation globally to undergo The Copper Mark assurance process, reinforcing our dedication to transparent, responsible, and ethical operations based on international standards.

Fair and competitive remuneration for all workers

Metalkol provides competitive remuneration in full compliance with the DRC labour laws and applicable collective bargaining agreements. All permanent Congolese employees receive a comprehensive benefits package as per the agreements in each of our entities. For our contracted workforce, all salaries strictly adhere to the statutory pay rates mandated by the law...

[The full response is linked below].