The 3rd Edition of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas was published in April 2016. This booklet contains the OECD Council Recommendation, the text of the Guidance, the 3Ts Supplement and the Gold Supplement. The updated version clarifies that the Guidance provides a framework for detailed due diligence as a basis for responsible supply chain management of minerals, including tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, as well as all other mineral resources.  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OECD has published a note on conflict minerals - to download below.

More information on the OECD website.

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From 1 January 2021, new supply chain due diligence obligations for EU importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores and gold

On 1 January 2021, new supply chain due diligence obligations for EU companies importing tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold from conflict-affected and high-risk areas enter into force. These obligations were established by Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017.

The EU regulation aims to:
- ensure that EU importers of 3TG (tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold) meet international responsible sourcing standards, set by the OECD (OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas),
- ensure that global and EU smelters and refiners of 3TG source responsibly,
- help break the link between conflict and the illegal exploitation of minerals,
- help put an end to the exploitation and abuse of local communities, including mine workers, and support local development.

More information on the website of the Polish Ministry of Finance and on the website of the European Commission.

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We encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SEMs) as well as other entities in the supply chain with metals and minerals, especially tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, to familiarize yourself with the European Commission's Due Diligence Ready! Program.

It is an online platform created by the European Commission that aims to promote to promote due diligence along value chains the responsible supply of metals and minerals. Thanks to this program, entrepreneurs will gain support for the application of due diligence and responsible procurement. This initiative will help entities subject to the regulatory requirement, the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, to comply with their legal obligations.

This Due Diligence Ready! online portal contains information, tools and training materials to guide your company in conducting due diligence on its minerals and metals supply chain. It is available in seven languages: English, Français, Deutsch, Italiano, Polski, Português, Español.