Fostering sustainable development and accountability within the global copper industry
TDi was commissioned by the International Copper Alliance (ICA) to build a standards system initiative from end to end, including the requirements, the assurance, industry and stakeholder engagement and outreach, guidance, and governance. In response, TDi created the Copper Mark: an initiative-branded copper assurance system that promotes greater accountability of corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices within the copper industry.
- Standards and Verification: TDi identified key standards and indicators for the core content of the Assurance System and explored various options for verifying and validating ICA members’ practices to ensure compliance with the assurance system. The team also assisted with establishing an Advisory Committee to provide strategic guidance and oversight for the Copper Mark initiative.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The team conducted interviews with stakeholders to gather feedback on the draft Assurance System and its requirements and evaluated potential costs for its members, along with recommendations for mitigating downside risks.
- Assurance System Process: TDi developed a comprehensive process document outlining procedures for conducting assessments and criteria for approving assessors, including a grievance mechanism policy and guidance for Copper Mark requirements.
- Due Diligence Tools: TDi worked on developing OECD-aligned due diligence and Country Conflict and High-Risk Area identification tools to ensure compliance with international standards. The team also suported in building the Copper Mark website and members portal, including the automation of tools for OECD implementation and CAHRA determination.
Approach and deliverable
To fulfil the goals of the ICA’s proposed assurance system, TDI Sustainability’s role took three distinct parts.
1. Preparatory research and reporting:
- Articulation of the requirements and indicators for the system’s core content.
- Options for the verification and validation of ICA members’ practices.
- Stakeholder interviews on aspects of the draft system and its requirements.
- Evaluation of the benefits and potential costs of the system for its members.
- Recommendations for the mitigation of any downside risk.
2. Development of system components:
We also gave the system a meaningful and recognisable name – the Copper Mark.
- Assurance process documents including procedures for conducting desktop and site assessments, and criteria for selecting and approving assessors.
- A grievance mechanism policy.
- The Copper Mark requirements guidance.
- A Copper Mark OECD-aligned due diligence tool.
- Country risk profiles and a country conflict and high-risk area (CAHRA) identification tool.
- A Copper Mark claims guide.
3. Associated and ancillary activities:
- Establishing a Copper Mark advisory committee.
- Supporting the build of the Copper Mark website and members portal, including automation of the OECD-aligned due diligence and CAHRA determination tools.
- Establishing the UK-incorporated company to house the Copper Mark organisation.
- Building a theory of change for the initiative.
Client benefits and broader industry impact
The Copper Mark assurance system aims to meet the demand for greater accountability of corporate environmental, social and governance practices and demonstrates the positive contributions its members make to sustainable development in the copper production industry.
Project partners and methodology
The initial process involved convening stakeholders, including representatives from businesses in the copper industry, to complete an exploratory analysis to assess the efficacy and viability of launching a branded copper assurance system.
TDI Sustainability continue to work with and support The Copper Mark through developing trainings for auditors and copper producers.
Approved Assessors
If you are looking for an approved Copper Mark auditor, or need support preparing for a Copper Mark audit, TDI Sustainability is ready to help. Our expert, multilingual team are completely up to speed with the responsible operating practices required relating to employees, local communities, governance and the environment.