One of the five principles of the Copper Mark is collaboration: We recognize existing systems, and we build partnerships across metals, along the supply chain and in key geographical regions. Collaboration activities span across our standard development, assurance framework, training and capacity building activities.

The Copper Mark regularly engages with different organizations for events, best-practice sharing, working groups, or training. Below are some examples of the main organizations with which we collaborate:

International Copper Association (ICA)

The International Copper Association (ICA) is the leading advocate for the copper industry. ICA’s members recognized the need for an industry assessment system and thus worked to form the Copper Mark.

The two organizations continue to work closely together on research, data collection, education, communication and events. In recognition of the financial and technical support provided, the ICA holds a seat on the Board of Directors of the Copper Mark.

Representatives of the Copper Mark and ICA participate in working groups discussing areas of mutual interest such as responsible sourcing, circular economy and transparency. Staff continuously find opportunities to collaborate and reduce potential burdens on copper producers that are engaged with both organizations.

Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)

The Copper Mark and the RMI collaborate closely, using shared requirements and tools. The two organizations have established a Memorandum of Understanding recognizing the opportunity to significantly broaden and deepen their impact on responsible production of copper through joint efforts.

Notably, the Copper Mark and the RMI:

• The Copper Mark adopted and uses the RMI’s Risk Readiness Assessment (RRA) Criteria to define the responsible production criteria for The Copper Mark.
• Publish a joint Equivalency Matrix demonstrating equivalencies between the RRA Criteria and other voluntary standards.
• Together with other partners, jointly issued the Joint Due Diligence Standard.
• Committed to a joint, 6-year training development program to guide companies looking to implement the RRA Criteria.

International Lead Association (ILA), International Zinc Association (IZA) and the Nickel Institute (NI)

In March 2020, the four organizations signed an agreement to work towards a shared goal of enabling copper, zinc, lead and nickel producers to demonstrate conformance with responsible sourcing requirements as well as demonstrate responsible production practices. To implement the agreement, the organizations set up the Due Diligence Working Group. The working group successfully developed the Joint Due Diligence Standard for Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc; a joint due diligence tool; training material in multiple language and hosted presentations to members and the public about the Joint Standard. The organizations agreed to identify further opportunities to collaborate as appropriate.

London Metal Exchange (LME)

The Copper Mark collaborates with the LME to ensure its program and standards allow participants to comply with LME’s responsible sourcing rules. The LME’s staff actively participates in the Due Diligence Working Group and serves on the Copper Mark Advisory Council. The Copper Mark regularly provides feedback on the LME’s consultations regarding sustainability. The LME and the Copper Mark have partnered on training and events to explain the requirements and the potential role of the Joint Due Diligence Standard.

International Wrought Copper Council (IWCC)

The IWCC and the Copper Mark collaborate to raise awareness on responsible production and responsible sourcing practices within the copper and copper-alloy semis-fabricating industry. The two organizations are working together to make the Copper Mark assurance framework available to copper fabricators. The IWCC has a representative on the Board of Directors of the Copper Mark,  The IWCC also participates in the company’s Technical Working Group. The Copper Mark is regularly invited to present at the IWCC’s meetings and events.

Centro de Estudios del Cobre y la Minería (CESCO)

The Copper Mark collaborates with Cesco to raise awareness on responsible copper production among producers and other stakeholders in Chile, the world’s largest copper producing country. The two organizations co-host events and seminars, including the Copper Mark’s first roundtable on risks and opportunities for copper related to climate change. Cesco holds one seat on the Board of Directors of the Copper Mark.

ISEAL Alliance

In April 2021, the Copper Mark applied to the ISEAL Alliance as a Community Member.  While the application is currently in progress, the Copper Mark is grateful for the conversations and support already provided by ISEAL staff and many of its members.

International Copper Study Group (ICSG)

The ICSG partnered with the Copper Mark to raise awareness and education about the copper industry presence.  The ICSG publishes the Directory of Copper Mines and Plants, which is used by Copper Mark Partners to understand and map their copper supply chains.  The ICSG is an intergovernmental organization of copper producing and using countries that serves to increase copper market transparency and promote international discussions and cooperation on issues related to copper.  One of the most widely-used resources is ICSG Wold Copper Factbook, an educational book on all facets of copper from mining to end-user.