Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 16, Copper Mark, a UK-based sustainability organization, announced on Wednesday plans to establish a unified mining standard across multiple metal supply chains and form a new, expanded governance board.

Teck’s Highland Valley Copper operation in B.C. is among several mines accredited by Copper Mark.

The organization is seeking applications for an independent chair to lead a 17-member board, an increase from the current seven, as it prepares to implement the Consolidated Mining Standard, Assurance Process, and Claims Policy in 2026. Executive Director Michèle Brülhart stated: “The independent chair will play a critical role to uphold the integrity of the Copper Mark and ensure we continue to drive performance improvements across and along mineral and metal value chains.”

Established in 2019, Copper Mark independently evaluates and certifies producers of copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc for their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Approximately 40% of global copper production originates from sites certified by Copper Mark.

The initiative responds to growing demands from governments, manufacturers, and investors for enhanced traceability and evidence of responsible production in the energy transition supply chain. This interest aligns with projections of rising copper demand and constrained supply, influencing market dynamics.

Copper Mark is collaborating with the World Gold Council, the International Council on Mining and Metals, and the Mining Association of Canada, all based in London, to develop the Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative (CMSI) for launch next year. The CMSI aims to create a global benchmark that streamlines responsible mining practices across various regions and commodities, reducing the need for multiple audits by implementing a single, cohesive process.

Several major companies have earned Copper Mark accreditation. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) is recognized for its Grasberg operation in Indonesia. Anglo American (LSE: AAL; JSE: AGL) holds certifications for its Los Bronces, El Soldado, and Chagres sites in Chile, while Teck Resources (TSX: TECK.A, TECK.B; NYSE: TECK) is accredited for its Highland Valley Copper mine in British Columbia. Capstone Copper (TSX: CS; ASX: CSC) has achieved “Awarded” status for its Mantoverde and Mantos Blancos mines in Chile. Aurubis is certified for its Olen smelting and refining facility in Belgium, and Boliden holds “Awarded” status for its Rönnskär smelter in Sweden.

The CMSI introduces changes to governance, organizational identity, and operational scope. The expanded board will include representatives from both commercial and non-commercial sectors across mining and downstream value chains, ensuring independence from commodity-specific groups.

Development of the CMSI has incorporated public input, with a recent consultation session gathering feedback on the standard, assurance process, and claims policy. A final round of public webinars, accommodating various time zones, is scheduled for November 17, 2025, to refine the initiative further.

By unifying standards and enhancing oversight, Copper Mark aims to foster sustainable practices across global metal supply chains, supporting the industry’s role in meeting future resource demands responsibly.