Responsible Minerals Initiative Launches Network for Institutional Investors

ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 13, 2024 /3BL/ - The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) today announced the launch of the RMI Investor Network to advance responsible sourcing and further engage institutional investors crucial to the renewable energy transition.

The RMI is the largest industry association in the minerals space working to address responsible mineral sourcing issues in industry supply chains. The RMI provides companies with a full ecosystem that includes due diligence tools and assurance and helps companies make responsible sourcing decisions to improve regulatory compliance and source all minerals responsibly, including from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs).

Many institutional investors would like to work with downstream companies to drive environmental, social and corporate governance changes upstream in the mining and smelting sectors, across geographies, but lack the necessary tools, expertise and connections. By joining the RMI Investor Network, participants gain access to world-class due diligence tools and standards, and collaborative opportunities with the RMI and its more than 500 company members.

Participants in the RMI Investor Network have access to:

• The Material Insights Platform: Investors can gain ESG risk insights on more than 40 materials and components, a navigator tool for standards, a Materials Global Risk Map, and Mitigation Initiative mapping.
• The Risk Readiness Assessment (RRA): Investors can evaluate companies’ alignment with 33 ESG criteria over time using a self-assessment tool aligned with RMI ESG standards.
• Global Risk Map: Investors can identify supply chain risks with four risk bands (low, medium, high, extreme), providing information on CAHRAs and ESG risks at national and subnational levels.
• Policy Webinars: Investors can participate in roundtables and policy webinars to stay informed on laws and regulations impacting the minerals sector and electronics industry.
• Dedicated Working Group: Investors can collaborate with the largest industry association in the minerals sector by participating in an RMI working group dedicated to institutional investors.

“The RMI Investor Network is another pivotal step in promoting responsible mining and mineral sourcing worldwide, to help shape a sustainable, ethical future for global supply chains,” said Jennifer Peyser, Executive Director of the Responsible Minerals Initiative. “Institutional investors are also key stakeholders and supporters of the transition to renewable energy, and we are pleased to provide them with salient resources to advance their goals.”

“Good responsible investment practice means investors engaging their portfolio companies and working more closely with industry players on systemic ESG issues that matter,” said Paul Chandler, Director of Stewardship at the Principles for Responsible Investment, a UN-supported initiative. “The PRI welcomes the improved access, and the opportunity to develop best practice, that this development from the newly created RMI Investor Network entails.” 

Institutional investors can learn more about the benefits of the RMI Investor Network and start the application process here on the RMI website, and can contact the RMI Investor Network Team at rmi@responsiblebusiness.org with additional questions.

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