Excursus into the certification of mineral raw materials – Development and implementation of a sustainability standard

Abstract

ABSTRACT Within the mining sector sustainable practices through the complete value chain of mineral raw materials are intensively discussed since the last decades. Especially due to the raising demand of these materials for individual industry sectors, such as the high-tech or automotive industry. Looking for example into cobalt, rare earth element or gold supply chains evidence exists for the risk of negative impacts on society, environment and economy at more or less every part of the value chain. However, what is the definition of sustainable practices? Moreover, how can the mining industry implement sustainable practices and how its efficiency can be controlled? For which raw material and in which value chain step does the implementation of sustainable practices have the greatest impact and value? The present paper provides insights into the implementation of sustainability in the mining sector through the CERA 4in1 certification scheme.