Responsible Mica and Minerals Initiatives Collaborate to End Child Labor and Improve Working Conditions

PARIS & ALEXANDRIA, October 9, 2019 /3BL Media/– The Responsible Mica Initiative and the Responsible Minerals Initiative, an Initiative of the Responsible Business Alliance, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work toward ending the use of child labor and to improve working conditions in mica industry supply chains globally. 

The two organizations recognize that they share a common goal and can benefit from their respective experience in addressing challenges that may occur in mineral supply chains. Both organizations are committed to protecting human rights and developing mechanisms that will create responsible and sustainable supply chains.   

In the initial phase of the agreement, the organizations will focus on the continued development of a global standard for creating responsible mica supply chains, building on the experience that each organization has already gained through the implementation of their respective missions. As part of the MOU, they will further exchange information, tools and resources that enable companies to conduct due diligence on their mica supply chains and promote the understanding of mica use and applications in various industries.

The Responsible Mica Initiative will build on its strong presence in the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand to support the implementation of the agreement. 

The Responsible Mica Initiative is a “Do-Tank” that aims to eradicate child labor and unacceptable working conditions in the Indian mica supply chain by joining forces across industries.

“Joining forces with the Responsible Minerals Initiative gives us an opportunity to build on their programming experience and member knowledge and helps us in our efforts to create responsible and sustainable mica supply chains globally,” said Fanny Frémont, Executive Director, Responsible Mica Initiative. “Our new partnership will enable us to share resources and help each of our organizations accelerate its work.” 

The Responsible Minerals Initiative is a multi-industry initiative with more than 380 member companies and provides a range of tools and resources, including independent third-party audit programs, to enable company due diligence on mineral supply chains. 

“We believe this collaboration can greatly improve conditions in mica-producing countries,” said Leah Butler, Vice President, Responsible Business Alliance. “Companies are looking to work collectively to ensure their mineral supply chains are sustainable and this agreement will help us connect key mica producers, processors and users across multiple industries.” 

About the Responsible Mica Initiative

The Responsible Mica Initiative is a non-governmental organization created in January 2017 to build a sustainable mica supply chain in India by promoting responsible sourcing practices and eradicating child labor and unacceptable working conditions. RMI members are drawn from industries associated with the mica supply chain in partnership with NGOs and associations. The Responsible Mica Initiative is an association, established in accordance with the French Law of 1901 concerning non-profit organization, with its head offices located in Grasse, FRANCE. For more information, visit Responsible Mica Initiative

About the Responsible Minerals Initiative

The Responsible Minerals Initiative, an Initiative of the Responsible Business Alliance, is a multi-industry initiative with more than 380 member companies. Its members contribute to the development and international uptake of a range of tools and resources focused on minerals supply chain due diligence, including independent third-party audit programs for smelters, Minerals Reporting Templates, supply chain risk assessment tools, Country of Origin data, and guidance documents on responsible sourcing of tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold and cobalt. The Responsible Minerals Initiative runs regular workshops on responsible sourcing issues and contributes to policy development with civil society organizations and governments. For more information, visit responsiblemineralsinitiative.org 

Media Contacts

Fanny Frémont, Executive Director
Responsible Mica Initiative
contact@responsible-mica-initiative.com

Jarrett Bens, Director of Communications
Responsible Business Alliance 
Phone: +1 571.858.5721
jbens@responsiblebusiness.org