The renewable energy shift depends heavily on minerals including copper, cobalt, bauxite and lithium. These materials are used in technologies such as batteries, electric vehicles and transmission networks. The OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains highlighted the mining industry’s role in enabling the transition.
Participants also pointed to risks associated with rapid expansion of mining activity. Past experiences were cited as showing that a mining boom can worsen governance and corruption problems. Those impacts can affect communities and the environment, while also undermining equitable distribution of resource wealth.
Mining expansion risks and the role of corruption controls
Corruption was described as a factor that needs to be addressed within efforts to strengthen responsible mineral supply chains for renewable energy. The discussion linked anti-corruption work to broader due diligence expectations covering environmental and human rights considerations. This framing was presented alongside concerns about governance failures during periods of increased mineral extraction.
Guidance referenced in the dialogue included OECD materials used to support risk assessments and mitigation strategies. Civil society input was also described as a source for improving how companies identify and manage supply chain risks. The emphasis was on integrating anti-corruption measures into due diligence rather than treating them separately.
Roundtable partners and stakeholder participation
A collaborative initiative brought together multiple organizations for a roundtable discussion. The partners named were EITI, REN21, SSE Renewables and Transparency International Australia. The meeting included industry players, transparency advocates, human rights NGOs and intergovernmental organizations.
The dialogue focused on how companies approach due diligence across mineral supply chains tied to renewable energy technologies. It also addressed how stakeholders outside industry can contribute to transparency and accountability expectations. Multi-stakeholder engagement was presented as part of the framework for responsible sourcing practices.
Due diligence questions, standards, and practical implementation
One takeaway emphasized that companies should ask the right questions when conducting supply chain due diligence. Anti-corruption measures were highlighted as needing priority alongside environmental and human rights considerations. The discussion cited OECD guidance and civil society insights as inputs for robust risk assessments.
A second takeaway addressed limitations in tracing mineral supply chains. Companies were described as able to build a foundational understanding even when full tracing is difficult. Steps to prioritize and mitigate risks were linked to alignment with global standards including the UN Guiding Principles.
Collective action and transparency in reporting
The roundtable also discussed collective action across the sector. Because individual companies have limited leverage, participants said collaborations within renewable energy and across industries are important for raising standards in mineral supply chains. This approach was presented as a way to improve performance beyond what single firms can achieve alone.
Transparency in reporting due diligence efforts was another key point from the discussion. Participants said disclosure practices among renewable energy companies need improvement, drawing comparisons to transparency standards used in other sectors. The focus remained on accountability through clearer reporting of due diligence activities.
Multi-stakeholder dialogue at COP28 and in the Netherlands
The meeting highlighted the value of dialogue with civil society and governments for fostering transparency and accountability. Multi-stakeholder initiatives were cited as mechanisms that support sustainable practices across the sector. Examples mentioned included initiatives seen at COP28 and in the Netherlands.
The discussion concluded by tying responsible mineral sourcing to scaling up renewable energy deployment aimed at climate goals. It stated that integrating robust due diligence practices is intended to support sustainable development in mineral-rich regions. The same framing connected these efforts to a just transition where minerals underpin renewable technologies.