Content
Mining is important to the economies and sustainable development of many countries. At the same time, global demand for raw materials is on the rise. Extraction must comply with stringent environmental, social and regulatory standards and be of benefit to the local population. This is to ensure that the supply of raw materials is both secure and responsible.
Objective
The conditions for responsible raw materials extraction have improved, international dialogue has intensified and important initiatives are more closely networked.
Approach
In collaboration with the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), the project advises the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on responsible raw material supply chains. Taking into account gender equality, environmental protection and climate action, the project works with analyses, specialist events and knowledge processing in four areas:
• Good governance: The project is working with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the Natural Resource Governance Institute to reduce corruption risks, promote transparency and create access to sources of income.
• Social responsibility: The project provides advice on corporate due diligence, standards and grievance mechanisms to improve mining conditions. It is committed to human rights through its involvement in the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals, the Global Battery Alliance and Women’s Rights and Mining.
• Local economic development: The project promotes a diversified local economy, new production chains and more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperates with the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development.
• Analysis of the geopolitical context: The project provides BMZ with analyses as support in adopting a policy position in favour of greater independence from raw materials.