PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE AND TRACEABLE PRACTICES THAT DELIVER ASSURANCE TO OUR VALUE CHAIN PARTNERS
RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN
As demand for cobalt and copper to support the global energy transition grows, so does the imperative to produce these minerals responsibly. ERG's Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework sets out our commitment to ethical, transparent and sustainable practices across the value chain. Grounded in international standards, it promotes rigorous due diligence, respect for human rights and active engagement with local communities, ensuring customers and end-users can use our products with confidence.
Progressively, ERG's Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework has been replaced across our sites to ensure we adhere to the highest international ethical standards. This process has already started at Metalkol where we are certified under The Copper Mark.
ERG's Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework
In addition, Metalkol has:
Achieved The Copper Mark Assurance Process certification, confirming that Metalkol facilities meet best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management.
Successful completion of a fourth Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) Assessment by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).
Obtained the ISO 9001:2015 international standard which demonstrates a Quality Management System (QMS)
Received The Copper Mark in February 2026
At the heart of the Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework are seven core goals, designed to uphold ethical practices, advance community well-being and promote environmental sustainability across the cobalt and copper value chains:
We fully align with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, applying its 5-step framework across all our operations and relationships to manage risks and uphold responsible sourcing. We've adapted this framework to our mining context, going beyond its minimum requirements through rigorous internal systems, stakeholder engagement and independent assurance.
We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy on child labour. All workers onsite, including contractors, are verified to be 18 years of age or older. Our Supplier Code of Conduct and contractual obligations extend this policy to our entire supply chain. We also engage with communities to raise awareness and strengthen child protection.
Our Chain of Custody Management System traces all cobalt and copper from extraction to the first customer, ensuring integrity and transparency. Physical controls include tamper-proof tagging and GPS tracking, alongside digital innovations such as blockchain pilots.
We do not source from ASM. Our closed-loop supply system, reinforced by strict ASM procedures, ensures no unauthorised materials enter our supply chain. While we do not purchase ASM-sourced materials, we support sector reform and local livelihoods through partnerships and policy advocacy.
We prioritise environmental stewardship through land rehabilitation, pollution prevention and biodiversity conservation. Restoration is embedded into our site management and we continuously invest in reducing the environmental footprint of our operations.
We work with communities, governments, NGOs and industry peers to drive long-term, inclusive development. Our initiatives include participatory rural assessments, community grievance mechanisms, economic empowerment programmes and local infrastructure investments.
We actively engage in global initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to help shape a more responsible mineral industry. We share our learnings, support policy innovation and collaborate with peers to raise the standards of cobalt and copper production worldwide.
These goals form the foundation of our approach and are reinforced by rigorous internal controls, third-party assurance and continuous stakeholder engagement.
In February 2026, Metalkol became the first tailings retreatment operation to be certified under The Copper Mark assurance process.
Download reports and resources
Performance reports
ERG Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework
Clean Cobalt & Copper Performance Report July 2025
Clean Cobalt & Copper Performance Report July 2024
Clean Cobalt & Copper Performance Report July 2023
Clean Cobalt & Copper Performance Report July 2022
Clean Cobalt & Copper Performance Report July 2019
PwC Assurance reports
ERG Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework PwC Assurance Report 2024
ERG Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework PwC Assurance Report 2023
ERG Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework PwC Assurance Report 2023
ERG Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework PwC Assurance Report 2022
ERG Clean Cobalt & Copper Framework PwC Assurance Report 2019