How RMI Helps Companies To Identify Cobalt Mining Challenges In HRA's

How RMI Helps Companies To Identify Cobalt Mining Challenges In HRA’s?

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How RMI Helps Companies To Identify Cobalt Mining Challenges In HRA's

The challenges associated with the sourcing of cobalt responsibility from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other high-risk areas are ever-evolving and often gains the attention of the RMI. Hence, the CBS new report which was released earlier highlights the challenges of responsible sourcing the Cobalt. The primary concern that has been raised in the report highlights the inclusion of the children in the Cobalt mining which requires an immediate attention of the global supply chain. However, the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) condemned child labor and as a result they actively engaged with its member companies to identify and overcome the problem within their supply chain. This was one of the approaches made by RMI for responsible sourcing and this blog explores how RMI helped companies to identify cobalt mining challenges HRA’s.

RMI’s Commitment To Responsible Sourcing – Overview

The RMI adheres with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance which sets an expectation for the businesses regarding a responsible mineral sourcing. So, the ultimate responsibility of the due diligence lies with every member or individual companies and with the support of RMI they should show continuous improvements in the cobalt supply chain. The RMI initiatives are guided by various international frameworks, like

  • OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
  • UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
  • Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502
  • EU Regulation on Conflict Minerals

Hence, by integrating these frameworks, the RMI has expanded its programs beyond their intended scope, addressing the broader range of social and environmental risks associated with the raw material extraction and processing.

Responsible Sourcing Of RMI In Cobalt Supply Chains

From 2017, the RMI has been fully dedicated in improving the responsible sourcing of Cobalt. They have been fostering conditions for companies to conduct due diligence effectively following the guidance of OECD. 

Collaborating With The Responsible Cobalt Initiative

One of the major approaches made for responsible sourcing is the RMI partnering with the Responsible Cobalt Initiative to develop a pilot audit program for cobalt refiners. The Cobalt Refiner Standard was drafted and translated into Chinese, with public consultation planned.

Developing The Cobalt Reporting Template (CRT)

Another approach from RMI for responsible sourcing of Cobalt was a six-month pilot phase (March-August 2018) was conducted to collect due diligence information and identify choke points in the cobalt supply chain.

Defining Choke Points And Refiners In Cobalt Supply Chains

Thirdly, the RMI collaborated with industry experts as an approach for responsible sourcing and they are:

  • Defining the choke points in cobalt supply chains.
  • Establishing a formal definition of “cobalt refiner.”
  • Publishing the first Cobalt Refiner List
  • Engaging with Cobalt Refiners for Greater Transparency

RRA For Improved Responsible Sourcing:

To strengthen transparency and responsible sourcing, the RMI actively engages cobalt refiners to assess their due diligence practices. Refiners must complete the Risk Readiness Assessment (RRA), which evaluates their performance on social, environmental, and ethical factors, including child labor. The RRA covers multiple minerals, including:

  • Cobalt
  • Tin
  • Tantalum
  • Tungsten
  • Gold

Currently, the RRA platform is accessible to all RMI members and upstream companies. Key statistics on RRA adoption:

  • Nearly 170 companies are using the platform
  • Over 200 facility-level assessments completed
  • More than 60 downstream companies actively using the tool
  • 20 cobalt producers, smelters, or refiners participating
  • Driving Continuous Improvement in Cobalt Supply Chains

The RMI remains committed to engaging key stakeholders and aligning efforts to improve conditions in cobalt supply chains. The RMI is crucial in mitigating risks and ensuring ethical cobalt sourcing by continuously refining its programs and collaborating with industry leaders.

For further insights into RMI’s work on cobalt and for conflict mineral compliance services approach Sunstream for adherence to international standards.