Trends shaping the future of responsible mineral supply chains – June 2025
Reflections from ITA, informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement and insights from the OECD 2025 Forum
The responsible minerals landscape is evolving, with a clear shift toward more integrated, transparent, and impact-focused approaches to due diligence. These emerging trends, reinforced during the OECD 2025 Forum, closely align with the value delivered through our Sustainability team’s recent work and practical tools offered by the Tin Code.
Due Diligence as Continuous Improvement
There is increasing recognition that due diligence is not a one-time task, but a continuous process of improvement. Companies are moving away from “tick-box” approaches in favour of more risk-based strategies that rely on more complete and accurate information from their supply chains. This echoes the Tin Code’s emphasis on progressive improvement and transparency.
Collaboration Across the Supply Chain
Stronger upstream and downstream engagement is becoming essential. Industry actors are calling for more meaningful engagement to build mutual understanding, address shared risks, and collaborate on solutions. ITA’s local and on-the-ground relationships and upcoming downstream-upstream working group will facilitate these connections in a practical and constructive way.
Interoperability over Uniformity
Rather than converge around a single industry standard, leading companies increasingly favour a system of interoperable, aligned frameworks that offer flexibility without compromising credibility. Clear equivalence and shared data structures are to enable efficiency across standards. The standards of the Code’s Responsible Sourcing assurance being “fully aligned” to OECD Due Diligence Guidance, supports these efforts for the tin industry.
Transparency & ESG Reporting
Industry actors are seeking better access to reliable information through simplified and consistent reporting mechanisms. ITA’s Tin Code reports contribute to this need by offering structured reporting through independently validated and publicly available information that help companies meet growing expectations for ESG disclosure.
Practical and Credible Assurance
Assurance systems or “audit programs” must be practical in real-world conditions. Auditor feedback highlighted at the OECD Forum brought renewed attention to the feasibility and clarity of audit program’s requirements. ITA is committed to continuous dialogue and training with audit firms and smelters being audited to ensure the Tin Code’s Assurance system remains practical, and credible following well structured implementation criteria.
Responsible Inclusion of ASM
As the sector grows more inclusive, support for responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is gaining traction. Recognized as a vital part of many mineral supply chains, ASM requires tailored tools and guidance. Through Principle 8 of the Tin Code and our ASM Handbook, ITA actively seeks to influence continuous improvement of ASM practices, including supporting formalization efforts.
Conclusion
These evolving trends reflect a broader shift in the industry towards a more inclusive, and more efficient mineral supply chain. As a metal association, ITA remains at the forefront of this transition, offering tools, reporting systems, and stakeholder engagement strategies to support the tin sector and its actors in line with industry wide expectations.
