The emergence of conflict-free, ethical, and Fair Trade mineral supply chain certification systems: A brief introduction

Abstract

This introduction briefly examines the emerging field of ‘conflict-free’, ‘fair’, and ‘transparently sourced and traded’ minerals and the dynamics of their supply chains. Linking the growing prevalence of Corporate Social Responsibility norms in the global mining industry with increasing awareness of reputational risks associated with mineral extraction and trading that are associated with environmental impacts and armed conflict, the paper provides an overview of the Kimberley Process for rough diamonds and the various supply chain initiatives that it has inspired over the past 15 years. It distinguishes between conflict-free supply chains; efforts to embrace Fair Trade in artisanal mineral supply chains; and a third group of independently-organized interventions that lay claim to ‘ethical’ or ‘fair’ labels for often very specific instances. Finally, it provides a brief overview of the papers included in the Special Section.