The Copper Mark developed its three new metals marks in collaboration with the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA), the Nickel Institute (NI), and the International Zinc Association (IZA) in 2022. Launched in late 2022, the Molybdenum Mark, the Nickel Mark and the Zinc Mark aim to promote sustainable and responsible production and sourcing practices along their corresponding supply chains.
During the first year, 25 sites received one of the new metal marks along with The Copper Mark and 7 sites received one of the new marks standalone. As of end of January 2024, 21 sites have received the Molybdenum Mark, 5 sites have received the Nickel Mark, and 6 sites have received the Zinc Mark, with some sites receiving more than one mark. A further 14 sites have joined the assurance framework and are participating in the assessment process.
This collaboration has enabled molybdenum, nickel, and zinc value chain stakeholders to jointly promote efforts to increase responsibly produced materials along their respective value chains.
Sites can receive one of these Marks by taking part in the Copper Mark assurance process. This means they are independently assessed (by third party assessors at the site level) as having implemented policies and practices conforming with the Copper Mark Responsible Production Criteria. The Marks identify recipients as leaders in sustainability and responsible production practices.
Michèle Brülhart, Chief Executive of the Copper Mark said:
“One of the five key principles of The Copper Mark is collaboration. We have built a strong partnership with IMOA, NI and IZA since 2020 with a view to increase efficiencies and reduce the implementation burden for mineral and metal value chain actors. We are pleased to see the growth of the new metals marks in the first year, in particular showing the strong overlap in production of copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc. These metals are core to enable the clean energy transition. We believe that reducing the complexity in the standards landscape by relying on shared standards and assurance frameworks will help participants focus their efforts and resources on managing the impacts of their operations. After this first year of implementation, we look forward to work with our partners to build more momentum for responsible production practices in molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains.”
Eva Model, Secretary-General of the International Molybdenum Association:
“The successful collaboration between IMOA, NI, IZA and The Copper Mark has ensured our members have access to a credible assurance framework that is designed to assist producers in meeting increasing market demands and growing regulatory requirements relating to responsible sourcing. The strong uptake of the Molybdenum Mark shows our industry’s steadfast commitment to responsible sourcing practices. Moving forward, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with The Copper Mark, Nickel Institute and the International Zinc Association with the aim of working towards potential ResponsibleSteel recognition.”
Hudson Bates, President of the Nickel Institute said:
“Nickel producers are responding to the ESG due diligence requirements of regulations like the EU Battery Regulation, public-private partnerships such as the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) and sector initiatives such as ResponsibleSteel. Our members are pleased that the successful collaboration of NI with the Copper Mark, IMOA and IZA has led to the development of the Nickel, Zinc and Molybdenum Marks. These are practical tools that allow nickel and multi-metallic producers to show compliance with ESG due diligence requirements and gives their customers additional confidence in their products. The first five companies have already received the Nickel Mark in a short timeframe, which shows its workability and their motivation. Communicating the value of the Metal Marks and ensuring they are recognised by civil society, customers, sector initiatives, regulators and trade platforms is now our priority.”
Andrew Green, Executive Director of the International Zinc Association said:
“The success of the Zinc Mark over its first year is a symbol of the zinc industry’s commitment to ESG assurance and creating efficiencies for members through collaborative initiatives. We congratulate the many companies which have earned or are on the path to earning the Zinc Mark. Opportunities for all metals in the energy transition require developing partnerships, and this multi-metal approach is already facilitating value chain connectivity.”
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Notes to Editors
About The Copper Mark
The Copper Mark is the leading assurance framework to promote responsible practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains. Our vision is a sustainable society, enabled by the responsible production, sourcing, and recycling of metals. To achieve our vision, we apply robust governance, credible standards and assurance, stakeholder engagement, and leadership strategies.