Work

Traceability and foreign corporate accountability in mineral supply chains

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Industrialized economies in the EU depend heavily on imports of minerals. The extraction and parts of the transport and processing of these minerals take place in the Global South and often bear high human rights and environmental risks. A lack of traceability in mineral supply chains makes it particularly difficult to hold companies accountable for negative environmental and social impacts of their operations and those of their suppliers. This paper analyses three mineral supply chains (copper, platinum, and gold) in order to develop propositions about how supply chain‐specific characteristics affect traceability and foreign corporate accountability (FCA) in mineral supply chains. The analytical framework focuses on three dimensions: geopolitical dynamics, industry characteristics, and private governance mechanisms. The authors argue that chain‐specific characteristics may foster or thwart traceability and FCA in mineral supply chains and thus provides a novel contribution to the debate on traceability and accountability in mineral supply chains.

Source: Regulation & Governance

DOI: 10.1111/rego.12527

Authors: Svenja Schöneich, Christina Saulich, Melanie Müller

Institution: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, German Institute for International and Security Affairs

Language: English

Topic: Global trade, sustainability, and social impact

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070