Terms of Reference (ToR)

Commissioning Organizations: ActionAid Netherlands and ActionAid Zambia

Duration: 3 months

Expected start date: 14th July 2025

Background

Co-Mining: United in Responsible Copper and Cobalt Mining

ActionAid, together with the Small-Scale Mining Association of Zambia (SSMAZ) and the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), is currently implementing the project Co-Mining: United in Responsible Copper and Cobalt Mining funded by the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM). This project aims to improve the livelihoods, working conditions, and market access of 5,000 artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in the Copperbelt and Northwestern in Zambia. Running from September 2024 to August 2026, the initiative establishes support centers to help miners formalize operations, access training, and access formal markets. The project promotes and trains ASM miners in environmental sustainability, health and safety, and value addition. Special attention is given to women miners through gender-responsive training, protective gear, and the formation of Women Watch Committees to prevent gender-based violence. Additionally, the project focuses on advocacy towards governments and private actors to improve the rights of ASM miners and them to be considered as formal and valuable supply chain actors. As part of the project, supply chain mapping will be conducted to increase insight and transparency in the upstream (informal and formal) supply chain actors linked to ASM copper and cobalt originating from the two mining areas.

Context and Relevance

ASM plays a critical role in Zambia’s copper production. The Zambian government has set a goal to increase annual copper production from approximately 820,670 metric tonnes in 2024 to 3 million tonnes by 2031. Considering these specific governmental ambitions this research will focus on copper supply chains from the Copperbelt and Northwestern in Zambia linked to the Co-Mining: United in Responsible Copper and Cobalt Mining funded by the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals project.

Despite its importance, the ASM sector operates with limited formal oversight, low pricing transparency, and minimal value addition. Most copper mined by ASM operators is sold to (informal and formal) intermediaries or buyers at low prices. One of the obstacles to access formal markets is that LSM actors require consistency and bulk volume in supply. These issues result in a lack of transparency and accountability and missed opportunities for equitable local development. By mapping the supply chains, the project aims to increase transparency and traceability within the supply chains, while identifying opportunities to create more direct and equitable connections between ASM miners and formal markets. The data gathered will also inform and influence downstream actors to strengthen their due diligence practices and take greater responsibility for the conditions under which minerals are sourced.

Aim of the Research

The aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive mapping of the upstream copper supply chains originating from ASM activities in Northwestern and the Copperbelt provinces and provide further insights into midstream and downstream linkages, to enhance understanding of Zambia’s ASM copper supply chains, improve transparency and traceability and identifying challenges and opportunities to promote responsible sourcing practices.

Scope

Supply Chain Mapping

• A comprehensive mapping of supply chain actors involved in the upstream ASM copper supply chain originating from Northwestern and the Copperbelt provinces in Zambia, including ASM actors, LSM actors, local traders, processors and manufacturers.
• A comprehensive analysis of the structure and relationships in the supply chains between supply chain actors from extraction to export.
• A gender analysis of the role and participation of women in the upstream ASM copper supply chain.

Market Analysis

• Analysis of the income realized and profit share by ASM miners, including a gender analysis to understand the level of participation and role of women in ASM.
• Analysis of the pricing mechanisms of ASM copper against international market prices.
• Analysis of value addition in ASM copper and cobalt supply chains.
• Analysis of the production volumes of ASM of copper in relation to export volumes.
• Evaluation and review of the functioning and accuracy of existing tools and mechanisms to increase monitoring and transparency of production, such as the Mineral Output Statistical Evaluation System (MOSES).

Context and Policy Analysis

• Top level analysis of the ASM copper sector in Northwestern and the Copperbelt provinces including a gender analysis.
• Top level analysis of existing policy gaps in Zambia’s existing policies and regulations governing ASM and mineral exports as well as international standards regulating the extractives sectors and supply chain responsibility
• Literature and desk research review on the midstream and downstream actors linked to ASM copper supply chains from Northwestern and the Copperbelt provinces.

Recommendations

• Identify actionable and gender-responsive recommendations for stakeholders, including government, supply chain actors and CSOs to:
• Improve transparency and traceability in ASM supply chains based on the findings on the copper supply chain.
• Address challenges in ASM supply chains and increase fair market access to ASM.
• Increase local value addition in ASM supply chains.
• Improve due diligence standards and practices to ensure responsible mineral supply chains.

A gender analysis will be incorporated throughout all elements of the research, evaluating how men and women participate in and are affected differently by the functioning and structure of the ASM copper and cobalt supply chains.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to use a mixed method, including

• Desk research on existing literature and databases.
• Key informant interviews and/or focus group discussions (ASM actors, LSM actors, local traders, processors and manufacturers, relevant government institutions and CSOs).
• Field visits and research at ASM mine sites and buyer points.

Deliverables and Timeline

Assignment to be undertaken and completed between 14th July 2025 and 14th October 2025.

1. Inception Report

Detailed methodology, tools for data collection, stakeholder list, detailed work plan, and ethical considerations.

• Due by 24th July 2025 (within 10 days of contract signing)

2. Draft Research Report

For initial review and feedback.

• Due by 15th September 2025

3. Validation Workshop

Presentation and validation of draft findings with key stakeholders.

• Between 20th and 24th September 2025

4. Draft Final Report

Revised report incorporating feedback from the validation workshop.

• Due by 30th September 2025

5. Final Report

A comprehensive report with detailed findings, analysis, and recommendations.

• Due by 14th October 2025

6. 2-Page Summary Brief

Key findings and recommendations in a concise, accessible format.

• Submitted together with the final report on 14th October 2025

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Mining Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Development Studies, International Trade, or related discipline.
• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in extractive sector research, supply chain analysis, or responsible sourcing.
• Proven expertise in research, including field research, on ASM in Southern Africa.
• Knowledge about regulatory frameworks and international standards on extractives and responsible business conduct, gender analysis and human rights.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.

Application and Deadline

Interested consultants are requested to submit their CV, a proposal including workplan and methodology, and a fixed-fee financial proposal, inclusive of all expenses such as travel, accommodation, and administrative costs via email at info.zambia@actionaid.org

Deadline for application: 11th July 2025