The Copper Mark is the first and only comprehensive social and environmental assurance system for copper production. The concept’s vision is to recognize copper producers that have adopted internationally accepted responsible operating practices and make significant contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The audience for the Copper Mark will be employees, neighbors, customers, investors, and civil society.
The Copper Mark:
Has been designed specifically for, and with the participation of, the copper industry, around issues that matter most to the industry’s stakeholders
Uses a business-to-business tool and platform widely recognized by major automotive and electronics manufacturers
Incorporates, recognizes and has a specially-designed “equivalence” system for well-known management system standards used by the metal-producing industry
Is comprehensive in its approach to sustainability, taking its inspiration from the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Includes a credible verification of practices at copper production sites, including mines, smelters and refineries in the initial phase
Features of
Copper Mark
The Copper Mark is:
- A mechanism to assure copper producing operations are managing environmental, social and governance risks and meeting international norms
- A communication instrument to show and verify the contribution of copper production to sustainable development
- A tool to recognize the eligibility of existing sustainability commitments and certifications and reduce compliance costs
- Voluntary
- Site-based
- Informed by external stakeholders
The Copper Mark is not:
- A new copper-specific standard
- Duplicative
- Prohibitively costly
- Requiring Chain of Custody
- Setting quantitative targets
- Limited to International Copper Association members