Initiatives for raw material supply chains.

With the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) , there is now for the first time a multi-stakeholder standard for industrial mining, developed in a process of intensive discussion with industry, civil society, communities and labour unions. More than 100 experts and not-for-profit organisations were involved in defining the IRMA “Standard for Responsible Mining”, for example Human Rights Watch, Microsoft and Anglo American. The standard is still in the early stage of adoption by the industry.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG joined IRMA to promote the broad application of defined standards – also as a precondition for supplier decisions and contracts.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG has joined the Responsible Minerals Initiative . This initiative uses a self-developed, independent validation scheme for refineries and mines, the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP). It is used to demonstrate that there are systems in place to support mineral sourcing due diligences. When placing contracts, we oblige our suppliers to procure the conflict minerals tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (3TG) exclusively from smelters and refineries that meet the requirements of the RMI certification scheme. In addition, the Responsible Minerals Initiative provides companies with numerous tools and sources of information for mineral sourcing. The aim is to increase transparency in the supply chains where conflict minerals are processed.

Due to its diverse properties, mica is used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. In cars, the raw material is used in paint, brake pads and battery housings, among other things. Mercedes-Benz is part of the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI). By joining it, Mercedes-Benz supports the goal of preventing child labour and unacceptable working conditions in mica mines. To this end, Mercedes-Benz helps develop standards for working conditions, strengthening local communities and supporting the creation of a legal framework for the mica sector together with other companies, NGOs, industry associations and government representatives.

Aluminium is becoming increasingly important as a material in electric vehicles, as it is much lighter than steel. Mercedes-Benz is part of the non-profit Aluminium Stewardship Initiative  to support the implementation of an independent certification scheme for the entire aluminium value chain. The aim is to intensify dialogue with all stakeholders in the aluminium supply chain, especially in the areas of social affairs, environment and business management – from aluminium production and usage to recycling.

Steel is the most widely used material in cars and is the world's largest raw materials industry. Steel production is linked to many ethical, ecological and social aspects along the entire value chain.

The non-profit Responsible Steel Initiative (RSI)  aims to develop globally certifiable standards for the steel industry. The goal is that in the future, buyers of such certified steel should be able to rely on the fact that the steel products used have been manufactured according to defined requirements set out in the certification standard – from the mining of raw materials to sale to the end costumer. To ensure that the standard finds broad acceptance, the interests of the most important stakeholders are taken into account when developing the standard.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is lead partner of the industry initiative Drive Sustainability , a European working group coordinated by the corporate network CSR Europe. One of the key instruments developed to this end is a standardised questionnaire for suppliers. In addition, joint training and workshops are offered.