What Is EMRT?

The Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT) is a standardized tool to help businesses disclose mineral use in their supply chains. It supports supply chain due diligence and transparent practices, helping companies trace the origin of their materials and pinpoint potential risk hotspots.

Background of the EMRT

The EMRT was created by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and released on October 20, 2021. It was designed to help downstream companies — those that use refined minerals in their products — conduct due diligence on the sourcing of minerals beyond the original conflict minerals, specifically cobalt and mica. 

Purpose

The EMRT is designed to help organizations map their supply chains, identify processors, smelters, and refiners, and assess due diligence practices related to responsible mineral sourcing. It supports companies in meeting their compliance obligations related to regulations and frameworks such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs) and broader ESG goals.

Scope

Minerals covered

Initially, EMRT’s scope was limited to cobalt and mica. With EMRT 2.0, it was expanded to include copper, natural graphite, lithium, and nickel supply chains. These additions reflect the increasing importance of these minerals in battery technology and renewable energy. The RMI also recognized that these minerals are often sourced from regions with challenging socio-political conditions, where human rights abuses and environmental harm are ongoing concerns.

Data gathering obligations

Companies using the EMRT collect information from suppliers on the sourcing of extended minerals, including the country of origin, smelter/refiner details, and whether due diligence practices align with recognized standards. EMRT 2.0 also includes an optional mine-level facility tab to enhance transparency by engaging upstream actors — those directly involved in initial mineral extraction and processing. 

Relation to the conflict minerals reporting template (CMRT)

Here is a comparison between the EMRT and CMRT:

Key elements

The EMRT collects structured data across the following core areas:

• Company information: The reporting entity’s name, contact details, reporting year, and scope. It also includes the authorizer’s details, capturing essential context about who is submitting the data and under what timeframe.

• Mineral(s) used: Specification of which minerals are covered by the declaration and seven key questions for each mineral regarding its presence in products, intentional addition, sourcing, and more.

• Supply chain policy: A brief description of the entity’s supply chain policy and whether it aligns with international standards, and an overview of its commitment to responsible and ethical mineral sourcing. 

• Smelter and refiner list: Names and details of the smelters and refiners in the entity’s supply chain for the specified minerals. This helps map the supply chain and assess whether facilities are verified by third-party audit programs.

• Country of origin inquiry: Information about the countries from which supply chain partners source the minerals. This helps to identify those minerals from high-risk origins and to demonstrate efforts to trace material to its geographic source.

• Due diligence measures: The steps taken by the entity to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in its mineral supply chain. This includes risk assessment procedures, supplier engagement, and corrective action plans.

Why EMRT is important

Here are a few factors that highlight the importance of the EMRT:

Compliance

It provides a standardized, industry-recognized tool that helps companies systematically collect, organize, and disclose their sourcing practices. By using the template, companies ensure they are following both local and international laws concerning the sourcing of high-risk minerals.

Transparency

It enhances supply chain visibility by assisting the tracking and sharing of critical data on the origin of minerals and processing facilities involved. Companies demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing and provide stakeholders with clear insights into their supply chain practices.

Risk management

A consistent and comprehensive data exchange allows companies and their downstream partners to identify and mitigate potential risks to human rights, the environment, and overall compliance. 

Best practices

Adopting EMRT 2.0 requires a structured approach. Here are a few tips:

Prioritize high-risk suppliers

Focus on suppliers located in high-risk regions or those dealing with minerals that are more likely to pose environmental or human rights risks. By prioritizing these suppliers, you can ensure that you direct your due diligence efforts where they are most needed and you manage compliance risks more effectively.

Early engagement in the reporting cycle

Start the reporting process early to allow ample time for gathering data from suppliers, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring accuracy. Early engagement also allows for better coordination with suppliers, providing enough time for them to respond to data requests and address potential issues.

Training and education

Ensure that employees, particularly those in procurement and sustainability roles, and suppliers are educated about the EMRT 2.0, how it works, and best practices for responsible mineral sourcing. Ongoing training can help improve the quality of data you collect, ensuring all parties recognize the importance of comprehensive reporting.

Use technology to streamline

Leverage technology solutions like supply chain management software, data analytics tools, and automated reporting systems to streamline the collection, validation, and reporting of EMRT data. This not only saves time but also reduces errors and improves overall efficiency in the reporting process.