Cobalt

Cobalt is used in lithium-ion batteries, a vital part of electric vehicles and electronic devices. As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, the demand for – and concerns surrounding – cobalt material continue to grow exponentially. The various social and environmental impacts of cobalt extraction have made it more critical than ever to ensure this material is sourced responsibly, including child labor and unsafe working conditions in artisanal cobalt mining.

As a result, the automotive industry considers cobalt to be a high-risk mineral, and companies – especially OEMs – are taking the initiative in conducting traceability and sourcing due diligence throughout their supply chains. In partnership with the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), AIAG recognizes cross industry guidance that aims to help companies engage in this type of due diligence with their supply chains to better understand and report the sourcing of this material in relation to their products.

• Assess to understand the use of cobalt in products. Utilize the IMDS reporting platform to initially identify the presence of cobalt in the materials used on products.
• Engage in due diligence with the supply chains and report the use and sourcing cobalt material.

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Mica

Responsible minerals sourcing plays a strategic role in automotive companies’ efforts to increase their focus on corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives – especially those minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs).

In the automotive industry specifically, mica has come into focus as a mineral of concern due to the use of child labor, lack of traceability, and health and safety concerns in mica mines globally. As such, automotive companies that use mica in the products they manufacture or outsource to be manufactured can use tools provided by AIAG, in partnership with the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), to promote due diligence with their downstream suppliers and ensure they are operating in a socially responsible manner.

• Utilize material data information in order to understand the use of Mica in products your company manufactures.
• Perform annual due diligence with downstream suppliers and report smelters and refiners in which Mica is mined.

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