Value Chain

The Copper Mark is working towards a full responsible value chain approach for copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc by engaging with our Participants, Partners and other initiatives to support responsible production across the value chain from mine to end user.

COPPER VALUE CHAIN

Miners

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Miners [graphic]

Smelters and refiners

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Smelters and refiners [graphic]

Fabricators

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Fabricators [graphic]

Manufacturers

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Manufacturers [graphic]

End-users

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End-users [graphic]

Recyclers

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Recyclers [graphic]

Value Chain Approach

A full value chain approach includes the development of standards, tools and a ‘Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform’ to address the needs and demands of value chain companies.

To get there, we have developed a two-pronged Value Chain Approach, underpinned by the Value Chain Standards and Tools on one hand and a Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform on the other.

You can find out more about our value chain approach in our Responsible Value Chain Factsheet.

Opportunities to Engage and Initiatives

Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform

The Copper Mark is launching the Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform (VC Platform), recognising that a world where mineral and metal products are made responsibly requires commitment and cooperation from mine site to end user.

Our VC Platform is designed to foster value-chain-wide transparency to strengthen vertical links and connect responsible actors who mine, fabricate, transform and recycle metals. It will provide initiatives, tools, events and knowledge to support companies and stakeholders pursuing greater transparency and assured responsible production across the value chain.

Companies and stakeholders are invited to join as VC Platform Partners (VC Partners).

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VC Partners will be able to: 

  • Access and engage with a broad network of value chain actors 
  • Publicly claim to be a Copper Mark Value Chain Platform Partner (VC Partner) supporting responsible production
  • Help develop value chain standards and practical tools 
  • Join leadership initiatives and pilot projects for priority sectors and issues 
  • Participate in all activities related to the VC Forum, VC Groups and VC Online Hub

The VC Platform is launching in 2026. Existing Copper Mark Partners will be required to transition to retain their status with the organisation. For more details read the brochure below.

VC Platform Brochure

Partners to the Copper Mark

The Copper Mark's Partners are midstream and downstream companies that use copper, molybdenum, nickel or zinc in their business and have made a public commitment to the Copper Mark's vision and mission. They have expressed a preference for assured responsible producers in their value chains. To find out more click here or email info@coppermark.org. Following the VC Platform's launch in 2026 (explained above), existing Partners will be required to become VC Partners to maintain their status with the Copper Mark.

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Initiative for Responsible Renewable Energy Value Chains

The Initiative for Responsible Renewable Energy Value Chains brings together actors from across the copper supply chain.  The initiative provides a platform and forum to map value chains, understand ESG risks, and provide solutions to enhance responsible and sustainable value chains in the renewable energy sector. The Copper Mark aims to partner with leading industry associations and other initiatives in this project.

The initiative will be part of the Copper Mark's Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform and will seek to work alongside leading sector and industry associations. You can find more information about the initiative here.

Launch Event: Initiative for Responsible Renewable Energy Value Chains

We launched this initiative on 30 October 2025 at an event focused on critical issues for responsible producers across the value chain: traceability, transparency, greenhouse gas emissions and circularity. The event was attended by 60 participants —people working on responsible renewables and representing key upstream, midstream and downstream actors — and was organised in collaboration with the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector and Solar Stewardship Initiative.

Development of a Mid-stream Standard

The new global Mid-stream Standard will be a voluntary standard with focus on mid-stream sites covering the four principal metals of the Copper Mark - copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc.  It aims to enable and support mid-stream companies to demonstrate their responsible production practices, help them to meet customer and regulatory demands, and strengthen links in responsible value chains between upstream producers and downstream OEMs.  The new standard will also enable existing mid-stream participants in the Copper Mark standards to continue to receive the Marks for their sites following the introduction of the CMSI standard which only applies to mining, smelting and refining sites.

For more information view our Mid-stream Standard Factsheet the Terms of Reference.

If you are interested in receiving regular updates about the global Mid-stream Standard development or to be directly involved in the process to develop the standard, please email us at info@coppermark.org.