ALEXANDRIA and HERTFORDSHIRE, March 23, 2021 - The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and the International Tin Association (ITA) have developed a new core audit requirement document, now known as the “Assessment Criteria for Tin Smelting Companies”. The Criteria are designed to align with the 3T Supplement of the internationally recognised OECD due diligence guidance, assist with the new London Metal Exchange (LME) responsible sourcing requirements, and satisfy other upcoming requirements such as the EU Minerals Due Diligence Regulation. The document brings together multiple views of complex due diligence expectations into one new harmonised text. Tin smelters can be assessed against the Criteria by assessment processes of ITA (ISAE 3000) or the RMI (ISO 19001). This work aims to improve due diligence across the tin supply chain and encourages transparency to help to streamline information requests through the supply chain.
The Criteria incorporates consultation feedback from a broad spectrum of stakeholders across the tin supply and has been improved by:
- Focusing exclusively on the tin value chain
- Structuring to reference each Step of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance Supplement on Tin
- Highlighting additional, separate regulatory or downstream expectations
- Outlining practical expectations for red-flag review of suppliers
- Explaining how smelters may use OECD-aligned joint industry initiatives for due diligence support
- Clarifying terminology and separating procedural or guidance text for auditors
In March 2021, version 2 of the Criteria was published with minor clarifications to reflect the “Fully Aligned” score for ‘policies and standards’ aspect of the independent OECD Alignment Assessment. This version replaces Version 1 of the Criteria originally published in October 2019.
The Criteria are available for download in English and Chinese (COMING SOON).
RMI and ITA have also developed internal guidance to the Criteria which is aimed at ensuring common understanding of auditors and auditees as well as assessment process managers and each organisation will develop tools which reflect that guidance.
About RMI
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) is an initiative of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA). The RMI is a multi-industry initiative with more than 400 member companies. Its members contribute to the development and international uptake of a range of tools and resources focused on minerals supply chain due diligence, including independent third-party audit programs for smelters, Minerals Reporting Templates, supply chain risk assessment tools, Country of Origin data, and guidance documents on responsible sourcing of all minerals/metals. The RMI runs regular workshops on responsible sourcing issues and contributes to policy development with civil society organizations and governments. For more information, visit ResponsibleMineralsInitiative.org
About ITA
The International Tin Association (formerly ITRI Ltd) is the only organisation dedicated to supporting the tin industry and expanding tin use. The ITA's primary goal is to ensure an innovative, competitive, and sustainable supply chain and market for tin. ITA is a focal point for discussion and action on important regional and global issues affecting the tin industry, promoting the industry worldwide, providing authority, leadership and voice. For more information, visit internationaltin.org.
Media Contacts:
Jarrett Bens, Senior Director of Communications
Responsible Business Alliance
Phone: +1 571.858.5721
jbens@responsiblebusiness.org
Stephen Taiwo, Supply Chain Standards Manager
International Tin Association Ltd.
stephen.taiwo@internationaltin.org
