At the upcoming OECD Forum 2024 on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, the Responsible Mica Initiative will once again be present through a partner session. On 23 May 2024, our session will focus on “Establishing a shared due diligence approach for responsible Madagascar mica mining and sourcing“.
Mica, an essential mineral in various industries such as electronics, automotive, cosmetics and paints, is mined by artisanal and small-scale miners in Madagascar with challenges such as hazardous working conditions, low wages and child labour. In some mines, children can make up 50% of the workforce. At a time when an electric car can contain up to 15kg of mica to insulate its battery, and when the properties of Malagasy mica make it a popular mica for the automotive industry, and its consumption is set to increase in the coming years, these issues highlight the urgent need to work together to ensure responsible mica production and sourcing in Madagascar.
Co-organised by the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) in collaboration with Pact and Terre des Hommes Netherlands, our partner session aims to address these challenges by aligning efforts with the OECD due diligence guidelines and other international frameworks:
Our panel of speakers, including representatives from RMI, Pact, Terre des Hommes Netherlands, the Malagasy government and the Malagasy Mica Exporters Association, will share insights and experiences in navigating these complex issues.
Last year, in 2023, RMI accelerated its programmes in Madagascar, building relationships of trust with local authorities and economic players. This groundwork has enabled us to develop programmes tailored to the specific challenges faced in the mica sector in Madagascar. From workplace standards to community empowerment programmes, our initiatives are designed to create significant impact and lead to positive change.
As we prepare for our session at the OECD Forum, we invite stakeholders from across the value chain to join us in this important conversation, for responsible mineral supply chains, for a sustainable and ethical mica industry as its use increases.
Stay tuned for updates from our session, and visit our website to learn more about the Responsible Mica Initiative and our ongoing efforts to strengthen responsible mineral supply chains.
For more information, please visit the OECD Forum’s webpage on this session.
