ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 1, 2024 – The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) is pleased to share that the RMI’s Downstream Assessment Program (DAP) has launched an enhanced portfolio of documents in alignment with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains based on the outcomes of the OECD Alignment Assessment. On April 1, 2024 the RMI published the fully revamped Assessment Procedure and Guidance document, as well as refreshed DAP Criteria and Workbook with newly developed data points and guidance on DAP requirements for assessors, and a new training for DAP participants, prospects and assessment firms.
The RMI launched the DAP in 2016 to meet the growing demand for validation of sourcing practices of companies in the mineral and metal industries that are not eligible for the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP). The Downstream Assessment Program is minerals-agnostic and therefore inclusive of any metal/mineral within a company’s operations. Facilities participating in the DAP can use the assessment program to demonstrate that their responsible sourcing practices are aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, and to provide validated information about their due diligence activities. The DAP is designed to provide this validation for customer and investor requirements across mineral and metal value chains, and to support company compliance with the regulatory requirements globally, such as the EU Responsible Minerals Regulation (EU CMR Regulation 2017/821) requirements for EU Importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (3TG) that do not meet the definition of a smelter or refiner, as well as EU Battery Regulation.
The RMI applied for the Downstream Assessment Program (DAP) recognition by the European Commission under the EU CMR and has undergone the OECD Alignment Assessment. The assessment outcomes in 2023 found RMI DAP standard fully aligned and highlighted >10% alignment gap on implementation. The RMI followed the recommendations from the assessor and took steps to clarify expectations for the program requirements and to provide guidance for companies and assessment firms utilizing the DAP. Related to the findings of the alignment assessment, clarifications on DAP program requirements are primarily focused on companies’ overreliance on RMAP-conformant suppliers to conduct supply chain due diligence and lack of engagement with suppliers on risk mitigation and capacity building. As such, the updated DAP portfolio provides details on how downstream companies can conduct due diligence while sourcing from RMAP-conformant suppliers and engage their suppliers for capacity building and risk mitigation. In addition to the revised DAP documents, the RMI has also published guidance for How Downstream Companies Can Use RMI’s Tools To Support Their Due Diligence. The transition period to allow companies utilizing the DAP to adjust to the new guidance and clarified requirements is 6 months beginning on April 1, 2024 and ending October 1, 2024. For questions about DAP and participation in the RMI DAP program, please contact rmiassessment@responsiblebusiness.org.
About the Responsible Minerals Initiative
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) is an initiative of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA). The RMI is a multi-industry initiative with more than 500 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
Media Contact
Jarrett Bens, Senior Director of Communications
Responsible Business Alliance
Phone: +1 571.858.5721
jbens@responsiblebusiness.org
