Due diligence for conflict minerals.

The majority of 3TG used in our vehicles are contained in complex, already processed parts, such as electronics.

We nonetheless acknowledge our responsibility as an automobile manufacturer. With the Human Rights Respect System (HRRS), Mercedes-Benz has developed its own, systematic approach to preventing human rights violations in our supply chains.

Due to our position as downstream actor with limited leverage on actors in the deeper 3TG supply chain, we regard cross-industry collaborations as vital for addressing human rights and environmental risks in the 3TG supply chain. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz is a member of the “Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) ”, which is committed to maintaining due diligence along the supply chains for 3TG and other minerals that are critical regarding human rights.

One of the central programmes of RMI is the “Responsible Minerals Assurance Process” (RMAP). RMAP uses independent third-party assessments of management systems and sourcing practices of supply chain “pinch points” such as smelter or refiner. “Pinch points" are critical nodes in the value chain because of the material transformation taking place in this stage from raw materials into materials and products for the downstream industry. Due to their position between upstream and downstream industry, they represent a suitable basis to identify the origin of raw materials before they are commingled and processed. In addition, the number of these actors is small relative to the number of upstream and downstream players. With the help of this programme, smelters and refineries are assessed to determine their conformance with RMAP standards.

Our "Responsible Sourcing Standards (RSS) " define our requirements for suppliers of 3TG, as well as for suppliers who use these raw materials in their products. These requirements relate. to working conditions, human rights, environmental protection, safety, business ethics, and compliance.

With the help of "Conflict Minerals Reporting Templates (CMRT) for 3TG and "Extended Minerals Reporting Templates" (EMRT) for Mica and Cobalt, suppliers can identify the smelters and refineries in these raw material supply chains.

We monitor the information provided by our suppliers and assess the conformity of the listed smelters and refineries with the RMAP standard or other OECD-aligned assessments. If a smelter or refiner does not comply with the requested standard or is not yet participating in these programs, Mercedes-Benz may require their removal from the supply chain in the long term. In principle, however, we pursue the approach of working towards improvement in the first step through participation in the RMAP. While our leverage is restricted, as a participant in one of RMI’s smelter engagement working group, we directly outreach to eligible smelters and refineries. This proactive effort aims to educate operators about RMAP and guide them on their way to a RMAP audit. The overall goal is to gradually increase the number of conformant smelters and refineries.

This article was last updated in September 2026.