November 2023
Annual Progress Report 2022-2023
Lessons Learned and Challenges
The Due Diligence Roadshows proved to be an effective tool for establishing connections with businesses and gaining insight into their needs. In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability, especially with the pressing issues of the energy transition and circularity, companies are grappling with numerous challenges. It's essential to bridge the gap between IRBC and these critical topics.
Furthermore, promoting collaboration among industry competitors remains an ongoing challenge. Finding common ground and forming alliances for robust investigations and due diligence can be challenging. At the same time, these are crucial to increase transparency in value chains and to work together in addressing IRBC risks upstream and downstream in the value chain. In-person meetings play a pivotal role in building trust, kickstarting initiatives, expanding the network and raising awareness. The next year should enable parties to build upon their first exchange and bring due diligence to the next level. It is a firm believe that collective action is crucial in effecting positive change, and it is encouraged to all fellow metals companies to join in this endeavour.
Maurice van Beers, strategic policy advisor CNV Internationaal
“As we need metals for our energy transition, the demand for metals will increase four to six times. That makes it all the more urgent to improve transparency in the mining supply chain. To uncover hidden risks in mining value chains, we need to identify labour rights violations. Participatory monitoring can help with this. Data collected with quantitative tools allows us to assess risks to upstream and downstream users in the metals value chain.”
Chantal Dekker & Marc Holleman, Tata Steel Responsible Sourcing team
“Improvement starts with engaging in conversations deeper in the supply chain. This provides more mutual insight and creates room for action.”