Minespider Blog
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Learnings from 5 years of experience in mapping supply chains
Tracking a downstream supply chain is never easy, especially if it consists of hundreds or thousands of suppliers. In this article, Minespider unveils some of the best practices in supply chain mapping based on 5 years of expertise and experience working with complex global mineral supply chains.
ESG and Sustainability
How to prepare your data processes to be compliant with the upcoming Battery regulation
The most challenging aspect of adapting to upcoming regulations is collecting the data. The Minespider team analyzed how much time it takes for a company to set up a data collection process in a simple excel sheet. It turned out that even big companies having different tools and digital platforms struggle with data collection, and it takes several weeks to establish a process. To comply with the battery regulations, OEMs and battery manufacturers have to prepare their data much in advance considering its amounts and regulation requirements. This article gives 4 recommendations to help you start collecting the data and launch a company’s regular and efficient data collection processes.
Regulation Explained
German supply Chain Due Diligence Act - How can my company comply?
The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act came into force on 1 January 2023. It requires German companies to institute risk-management measures and grievance mechanisms and report on their efforts to avoid risks. Companies outside Germany that supply German firms will need to provide the key data to assure them of risk-free sourcing. Here is what steps your company can take to ensure you and your suppliers comply with the new law.
Regulation Explained
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Benefits of Double Materiality
Along with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Double materiality concept started to be discussed. Few understand what the concept means in reality. This article gives an overview of the concept with examples explaining how companies that have to report according to the CSRD can benefit from it, and become more efficient and sustainable.
Regulation Explained
Adopting Battery Regulations - What Challenges Do We Need to Solve?
Today an EVs battery supply chain is the subject of dozens of evolving regulations worldwide. The regulatory frameworks are different. This results in a certain degree of diversity in rules and requirements, from mandatory carbon emissions calculation to the obligation of domestic sourcing for getting the tax incentives. How can EV producers and battery manufacturers comply with different battery regulations?
Regulation Explained
Creating Sustainable Supply Chains to Respond to ESG Risks
A supply network is only as strong as its lines of communication. Today, with all of the technological advancements and availability of data, risk anticipation has become more efficient. Companies now have an opportunity to predict disruptions and overcome risks by having a strategy in place. In this article, we look at the main supply chain risks related to ESG and the steps a company can take to minimise them, by creating a sustainable supply network.
ESG and Sustainability
EV Battery Regulations around the World: What You Need to Know
Governments have realised the need to control resources required for future clean energy production. As EVs and batteries play a vital role in meeting the clean energy goals, rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks are setting obligations for all battery industry participants. This article summarises some of the key laws focused on lithium batteries components in the US, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea.
EVs, Batteries & Circular Economy
Regulation Explained
Critical Minerals and the Future Green Economy in the UK
Many countries, the UK included, are facing certain challenges to meet the future clean energy goals. We asked Jeff Townsend, Founder of the Critical Minerals Association, to share his opinion on the situation in the United Kingdom, policy and regulation, opportunities, challenges and risks.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
EVs, Batteries & Circular Economy
The Responsible Mineral Initiative (RMI)’s Annual Conference; Minespider, Google and LuNa Smelter.
Traceability and transparency, aligning standards and ESG metrics and tracking carbon emissions - discover the key topics from the RMI's Annual Conference.
News and Announcements
What is Sustainability in a Supply Chain?
What does supply chain sustainability actually mean? Why is complying with requirements no longer enough? This article gives definitions of sustainable supply chains and due diligence, summarises some of the ESG standards and explains the value the company can get planning by ESG efforts beyond compliance with the obligatory metrics.
ESG and Sustainability
What is Resilience, and How to Mitigate Your Supply Chain Risks
Organisations can be put at risk by a number of vulnerabilities, especially when there is an economic and geopolitical instability. Among these are financial, strategic, operations and hazard vulnerabilities. This article explains what risks are critical to monitor and what is needed for building a resilient supply chain.
ESG and Sustainability
Top Rare Materials Needed to Achieve Global Clean Energy Goals
Global clean energy demand can be met thanks to rare earth minerals and such materials as copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt. At the same time, there are certain risks, including limited production capacity, rising energy costs in the production process, logistics, and quality level which is only becoming harder to reach. In this article, we list the top materials needed for the transition to clean energy, and the risks associated with them.
EVs, Batteries & Circular Economy
The French Duty of Care Law, a Step Towards Transparent Supply Chains
In 2017, the French law of Duty of Care obliged companies to establish, publish, and effectively manage measures to identify possible risks and prevent severe abuses of human rights, fundamental freedoms, health and safety of individuals, and the environment. That was one of the first laws on Duty of Care. This article covers the regulation and types of companies that should comply.
Regulation Explained
Key Takeaways from the Battery Technology Conference 2022
The Minespider team participated in the Battery Technology Conference 2022 and collected the key takeaways from the event. In this article, we summarized opinions from the top industry experts on the battery value chain, technology trends, new battery chemistries, and the battery market outlook.
EVs, Batteries & Circular Economy
Ready for change? Aligning your business with the European Raw Materials Strategy
The European Union is working towards a secure supply of raw materials to ensure the competitiveness of its countries’ industries and simultaneously enable the shift to a greener economy. This article covers the three lighthouses: Sustainable Discovery & Supply, Sustainable Materials for Future Mobility and Raw Materials and Circular Societies - and how to ensure your company is at the forefront of this push for sustainability.
Regulation Explained
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Know the Source: The Polysilicon Supply Chain
Following our previous blogs on the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and the international concerns about forced labor, today we will get to know the polysilicon supply chain, its implications, and how supply chain actors might need to prove the absence of forced labor along their entire production chain.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
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On the path to IPO; the rising importance of data traceability for ESG
The evaluation of companies has changed. Investors are carefully analyzing additional aspects other than the standard financial metrics. Responsible business actions have never been more emphasized, and that is why strengthening the ESG component with blockchain-powered traceability is becoming essential to differentiate and showcase real impact.
ESG and Sustainability
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Forced Labour in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
On December 23rd 2021, President Biden signed into law Bill H.R.6256, banning imports from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, from entering the US. In this article we’re looking at why there’s a concern about forced labour in this region, and give a summary of what is included in Bill H.R.6256.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Minespider at The London EV Show - An Overview
The London EV Show was packed with three full days of talks from industry leaders. It provided a great source of insight into the current status of the EV market, its landscape and overview, from both a governmental and business perspective.
News and Announcements
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Forced Labour: What is it? What is the World Community Doing About It?
This blog, is the first of our mini series concerning Forced Labour and the Silica supply chain. Today we will be looking at “What is forced labour?”, and, “What is the world community doing about it?”.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
A Practical Interoperability Project with the British Columbia Government
Minespider demonstrates Practical Interoperability, meaning that data from the British Columbia Government’s blockchain credentialing system would be pulled into a Minespider product passport; a credentialing system speaking with our traceability system.
Blockchain & Traceability
Charging up for the new EU Battery Regulation Proposal
On the 10th of December 2020, the European Commission published the EU Battery Regulation Proposal. This proposal aims to substitute and build on the current EU Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) by incorporating the latest developments in the battery industry, with a special focus on sustainability, quality, and circularity. In this article, we provide key insights on how this proposal differs from the current directive and some of the main requirements for economic operators in this area.
EVs, Batteries & Circular Economy
Regulation Explained
Why the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act is just the first step
The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Law was finally passed a few months ago and will enter into force on January 1st, 2023. In this article, we’ll be looking in more detail at what is required from German companies and their (international) suppliers, what the implementation might look like in practice, and what’s potentially on the European legislative horizon.
Regulation Explained
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Transparency with Blockchain and Physical Tracking Technologies
Enabling Traceability in Raw Material Supply Chains with Physical Tracking Technologies.
Blockchain & Traceability
Data-driven, data-dependent: Blockchain in the Mining Industry
Data is the basis of mining companies' operations. They essentially base their entire operations on data; geological and economic data to find out whether the operation is worthwhile in the first place; environmental data to monitor and mitigate impact; and financial data to keep investors up to date. Blockchain technology offers a tool to capture and communicate this data - with regulators, investors and the public - in a uniquely trustworthy and transparent way.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Blockchain & Traceability
The Scramble to Secure Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements (REE) have been dominating the news recently - 17 key minerals used to create everyday technologies - A whopping 80% of which are produced in China. Can the US, who was once the world leader in REE production, return to their former glory? Can the EU or Australia launch processing facilities quickly enough to play catch up? This in-depth article explores the global timeline of REE production and processing, all the geopolitical factors at play, and the future market outlook.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Evolving legislation: From Dodd-Frank to the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation
We're at a moment in time where European countries are adopting national legislation that compels companies to take a closer look at their supply chains in general. The UK’s Modern Slavery Act (2015), France’s Duty of Vigilance Law (2017), and the German discussion about a Supply Chain Law (ongoing) all testify to the important role global value chains and their sustainability play in the political arena. This article details the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and its precursor, Section 1502 of the US’ Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, better known as Dodd-Frank Act.
Regulation Explained
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Examining Germany's Potential Supply Chain Law
Germany is considering a new supply chain law, mandating companies to conduct human rights due diligence in their supply chains. Who is drafting the law? What parties are involved? What progress has been made to date and when can we expect an outcome? Our Project Manager, Christian Ecker, will answer all of these questions in-depth.
Regulation Explained
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Women in Artisanal & Small Scale Mining — the Hardship & the Hope
In the ASM sector, 30–50% of workers are women. Sadly, women offer encounter sexual violence and harassment at the workplace, along with widespread prejudices about women’s productivity and capabilities. On average, women in ASM make up to 75% less than their male colleagues. We interviewed Women in Mining and Energy (WiME) in Indonesia to understand these hardships and how we can move to a fairer and more gender-equal ASM sector.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
The Use of Mercury in Artisanal & Small Scale Gold Mining
A comprehensive overview of mercury and its uses in artisanal and small scale mining. It covers the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the uses in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM), and the alternatives, as discussed with Cyrus Njonde Maina of Impact Facility.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
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Is blockchain on your to-do list? It should be
Working in the mining industry? Curious why there is such a buzz around blockchain technology? In this article, exploration geologist, Tanya Matveeva explores some of the most exciting uses cases of blockchain being implemented in mining.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
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The biggest industry you've never heard of
Artisanal or small scale mining (ASM) operations can wreak havoc and destroy entire landscapes, rendering any alternative attempt at making a living from the ground futile. At the same time, it can be a source of income for entire communities. In the first blog in our ASM series, we discuss what ASM is and why it impacts us on a global scale.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Do supply chains need blockchain?
What are some of the advantages of blockchain for supply chains? Here we dive into the idea of an improved database, and the concepts of immutability, visibility and the verification of sustainability.
Blockchain & Traceability
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Leveraging blockchain to empower circular economy
Learn how blockchain technology is a key enabler for the next generation of the circular economy, by giving companies and individuals the opportunity to fully understand and optimize their supply cycles.
EVs, Batteries & Circular Economy
Blockchain & Traceability
The false hope of blockchain interoperability
Interoperability is the centre of many blockchain conversations at present. Why do people want interoperable systems? Why is it so hard? And what is the best option moving forward?
Blockchain & Traceability
Linking the physical world to the blockchain
How do you make sure the materials you are tracking match the records, certificates or tokens on the blockchain?
Blockchain & Traceability
Recap: Minespider on stage at Tech Open Air Berlin (TOA)
Minespider's Founder and CEO, Nathan Williams, took to the stage at TOA Berlin to discuss "Why Corporate Social Responsibility Fails'...and how to fix it.
News and Announcements
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Tokenizing the mineral supply chain
The ninth blog in our Mining, Metals, and Responsible Sourcing Series - this post discusses how blockchain, paired with careful system design, provides us with tools to tackle the complex problems and multi-faceted causes that prevail in the mineral supply chain.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Gold Laundering: the New Alchemy
Gold laundering is the new alchemy; the creation of gold out of criminal activity, using children, forced labor, land seizure and pollution.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Why do children work in mining?
In the past decade, countries have developed environmental, health, safety and human rights regulations that should result in responsible sourcing. Yet mineral supply chains are fraught with instances of human rights abuses, child labour, and illegal activities. This article delves more specifically into why children work in mining.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Exploring the Gold Supply Chain
This blog takes a high-level look at the supply chain for a mineral like gold ore as it moves from mineral in the ground to metal in a consumer product like a smart phone or a solar panel, and ultimately to recycled material.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Due Diligence & Risk of Harm
The focus of that due diligence needs to identify harmful social, ecological, and/or economic consequences of the company’s activities within their ‘sphere of influence’ — along their supply chain. In this blog, we look in more detail at three types of risk of harm that can occur along the mineral supply chain; community, individual and environmental.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
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Conflict Mineral Regulations
Over the past few years, governments and organizations have taken measures to ensure potential harm in the mining industry is reduced. Let’s take a look at these pivotal initiatives and regulations; from the US Dodd-Frank Act to the EU's Conflict Minerals Regulation.
Regulation Explained
What are 'Conflict Minerals'?
A rapidly increasing demand for electronic goods in the past decade has led to a significant increase in demand for certain metals. Particularly tantalum, tin, and tungsten, which, along with gold, are often referred to as 3TG and make up the initial group of “conflict minerals”. So what are conflict minerals exactly? In this article, Lee covers both the definition of conflict minerals and how they are extracted through ASM and LSM methods.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
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Former CIO of Barrick Gold joins Minespider
Announcing Michelle Ash’s decision to join the Minespider Advisory board. Ash has lent her expertise to the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, Acacia Mining, GMG, and most recently, to Barrick Gold, the world’s largest gold mining company, as their Chief Innovation Officer.
News and Announcements
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Defining the responsible supply chain
Data is the basis of mining companies' operations. They essentially base their entire operations on data; geological and economic data to find out whether the operation is worthwhile in the first place; environmental data to monitor and mitigate the impact, and financial data to keep investors up to date. Blockchain technology offers a tool to capture and communicate this data - with regulators, investors, and the public - in a uniquely trustworthy and transparent way.
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
Our Mining, Metals, & Responsible Sourcing Series
Join us as we explore mining, metals, & responsible sourcing in this in-depth series, as well as how blockchain fits into the picture. This first article is an introduction to Lee's
Mining, Metals & Responsible Sourcing
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The Corporate Threat to Decentralization
We must design our blockchains to be infrastructures utilized by the masses, with incentives that actually motivate people. Only then can we hope to avoid an increasingly centralized future and realize the true disruptive potential that blockchain brings.
Blockchain & Traceability
The Blockchain, Transparency, & Africa Conference
Minespider & Murdoch University's Third Commission on Africa organized the first Blockchain, Transparency, & Africa Conference in Berlin on the 5th of October, 2018. The conference opened with a keynote from Peter Eigen, founder of Transparency International.
News and Announcements
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The Origins of Minespider
One man’s quest to track responsibly-sourced minerals on the blockchain. How Nathan Williams discovered blockchain and merged it with his interest in minerals to create Minespider.
Blockchain & Traceability
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