Minespider Blog

All
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
tracking downstream supply chain

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 data processes for the Battery regulation

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
The German Supply Chain Act

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 Double Materiality concept in the CSRD

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
Challenges for adopting EV battery regulations

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
ESG and supply chain risks

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
Regulation framework for EV batteries

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
raw_materials_required_for_the_clean_energy

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
Speakers at the The Responsible Mineral Initiative Conference

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
Sustainable supply chain and due diligence definitions

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
Supply Chain Risks

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

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
Transparent Supply Chains

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
Battery Technology Conference

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
European Raw Materials Strategy

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
Polysilicon process chain

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
ESG data verification

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
Concern about forced labour

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
The London EV Show

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
The meaning of Forced Labour

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
Interoperability Project

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
EU Battery Regulation Proposal

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
German Supply Chain Due Diligence

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
Physical Tracking Technologies

Transparency with Blockchain and Physical Tracking Technologies

Enabling Traceability in Raw Material Supply Chains with Physical Tracking Technologies.
Blockchain & Traceability
Mining companies base their entire operations on data

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
Rare Earth Elements

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
EU Conflict Minerals Regulation

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
Germany's Supply Chain Law

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
Women in Small Scale Mining

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
Mercury in Artisanal & Small Scale Gold Mining

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
blockchain technology

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
Artisanal or small scale mining (ASM)

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
Advantages of blockchain for supply chains

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
blockchain technology empowering circular economy

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
Interoperability in blockchain

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

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
Minespider at Tech Open Air Berlin 

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
Tokenizing the mineral supply chain

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

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
children working in mining

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

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 and the risk of harm

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
Conflict Mineral Regulations images

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
Conflict Minerals

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
Michelle Ash headshot

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
Data is the basis of mining companies operations

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
Mining, metals and 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
The Corporate Threat to Decentralization

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

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
The Origins of Minespider

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

Join us in building sustainable growth.