Together Toward Effective Due Diligence in Minerals Value Chains

Información del proyecto

DiliCHANCE

Identificador del acuerdo de subvención: 101177460

DOI

10.3030/101177460

Fecha de la firma de la CE 19 Julio 2024

Fecha de inicio 1 Octubre 2024

Fecha de finalización 30 Septiembre 2027

Financiado con arreglo a

• Digital, Industry and Space

Coste total

Sin datos

Aportación de la UE

€ 2 200 000,00

Coordinado por

WIRTSCHAFTSUNIVERSITAT WIEN
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DiliCHANCE (Together Toward Effective Due Diligence in Minerals Value Chains)

Período documentado: 2024-10-01 hasta 2026-03-31

Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto

While the demand for minerals is increasing, companies face major challenges in managing their global supply chains due to disruptions, lack of transparent data, and numerous regulations and standards. Many companies perceive due diligence as an administrative burden, but some go beyond these obligations and successfully leverage it for strategic advantage. DiliCHANCE supports both beginners and experts in effectively integrating due diligence into their business practices and driving positive change.

The project aims to reshape existing sustainability due diligence systems by identifying solutions through a three-pronged approach:
A) Due diligence tools are tested, and tool providers are supported in improving their digital solutions.
B) Companies’ due diligence practices and gaps are analyzed, and practical and effective solutions are co-created.
C) Existing assurance and verification practices are analyzed; lighthouse cases and models to involve affected people, as well as training materials, are developed.
Within the project, a digital one-stop shop for sustainability due diligence is being developed to help companies navigate the complexities of sustainability due diligence, select the due diligence tool that best fits their needs, and identify ways to improve their due diligence practices.

DiliCHANCE’s key objectives include the following:
• Support EU businesses in due diligence practices and responsible business conduct for key EU critical raw materials (CRMs) and industrial value chains
• Assess and further improve due diligence solutions for effective human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) and risk management
• Develop and pilot a smart online decision support system
• Facilitate collective action for a level playing field

The DiliCHANCE project brings together ten partners from Europe, Africa, and South America to jointly turn sustainability due diligence into a success story.

Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha

The DiliCHANCE project developed a digital One-Stop Shop for successful sustainability due diligence in mineral supply chains, targeting companies in the mobility, renewable energy, and electronics sectors. The One-Stop Shop provides information on more than 100 digital tools, regulations, and standards, as well as in-depth articles on specific topics, webinars, and videos. It is accessible on the project website: www.dilichance.eu.

The tool “Mineral Trail” helps companies understand how well their practices align with internationally recognized standards for responsible business conduct. By answering a short questionnaire, tailored recommendations are provided to support the improvement of practices. You can find the Mineral Trail here: https://www.dilichance.eu/en/mineraltrail.

Within the project, companies’ sustainability due diligence policies and practices were assessed to identify how large EU-based companies disclose their supply chain due diligence policies and practices, and to determine the extent to which these disclosures align with the six-step, risk-based approach.

During the project, more than 300 sustainability due diligence tools were identified, of which over 100 tools were screened to assess their scope and focus.

Twenty existing assurance and verification schemes have been assessed based on how effectively these standards incorporate the perspectives of affected rightsholders into their governance structures, due diligence requirements, and assurance processes. To support the effective integration of affected people in assurance processes, 10 selected cases, considered leading practices, have been presented.

A series of webinars covering topics such as “The Strategic Benefits of Due Diligence” and “Enhancing Traceability in Mineral Supply Chains” has been launched. These webinars are complemented by interviews, and image videos.

Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha)

As DiliCHANCE is a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), the project does not aim to advance innovations in the mineral sourcing sector per se, but rather to support key decision-makers from companies and policy, thereby reshaping the existing due diligence operational system across tools, business practices, and assurance and verification processes to strengthen European mineral supply chain sustainability, transparency, and resilience.

DiliCHANCE analyzed business practices, validated the identified gaps, and will, in the next step, co-create practical and effective solutions that foster effective due diligence practices and facilitate collective action for implementing these solutions.

DiliCHANCE will support tool providers in further developing their tools by organizing tool provider workshops that promote learning and exchange, as well as free-of-charge Tool Provider Labs for selected providers to further improve their tools.

DiliCHANCE identified selected cases where affected people have been effectively integrated into assurance processes. In the next steps, models for inclusion and training materials for auditors will be developed within the project.

To further support the uptake of solutions, webinars, physical events, and a final conference will be organized.