What are the best practices for managing conflict minerals risks in your supply chain?

1 Identify and assess your exposure

The first step is to identify and assess your exposure to conflict minerals in your supply chain. You can use tools such as the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT), which is a standardized questionnaire that helps you collect information from your suppliers about the origin and traceability of the minerals they use. You can also use the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, which provides a framework for conducting due diligence on your mineral sources and suppliers. By identifying and assessing your exposure, you can determine the level of risk and the actions you need to take.

2 Implement and monitor your policy and procedures

The next step is to implement and monitor your policy and procedures for managing conflict minerals risks in your supply chain. You should have a clear and written policy that outlines your commitment, expectations, and requirements for your suppliers regarding conflict minerals. You should also have procedures for verifying, auditing, and reporting on your suppliers' compliance with your policy and the applicable regulations and standards. You should communicate your policy and procedures to your suppliers and provide them with training and guidance. You should also monitor your suppliers' performance and progress and address any issues or gaps.

3 Engage with your stakeholders and partners

The third step is to engage with your stakeholders and partners for managing conflict minerals risks in your supply chain. You should collaborate with your industry peers, customers, civil society, and government agencies to share best practices, challenges, and solutions. You should also participate in initiatives and programs that support responsible sourcing of minerals, such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), which offers resources, tools, and networks for companies to improve their conflict minerals practices. You should also disclose your efforts and achievements to your stakeholders and seek their feedback and input.

4 Evaluate and improve your performance

The final step is to evaluate and improve your performance for managing conflict minerals risks in your supply chain. You should measure and track your performance indicators, such as the number of suppliers screened, the percentage of compliant suppliers, the number of audits conducted, and the impact of your actions. You should also review and update your policy and procedures based on the changing regulations, standards, and expectations. You should also identify and implement opportunities for improvement and innovation, such as adopting new technologies, joining new collaborations, or expanding your scope.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?