Which minerals are included in responsible sourcing and SCIP reporting requirements?

Responsible minerals programs traditionally focused on the “conflict minerals” (3TGs):TantalumTinTungstenGoldToday, regulators and customers also expect due diligence on extended minerals linked to human rights and sustainability risks:CobaltCopperGraphiteLithiumMicaNickelCompanies should expand their responsible minerals sourcing program to cover both conflict and extended minerals.

How can I identify which suppliers are in scope for a responsible minerals sourcing program?

Not every supplier must be contacted. To determine scope:Focus on suppliers providing products that contain conflict or extended minerals.Exclude service providers (e.g., legal, accounting) and non-relevant goods (e.g., janitorial supplies, wood, plastics).Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to confirm which suppliers are material to consumer-facing goods.A scoped supplier list makes responsible minerals due diligence more efficient and avoids unnecessary outreach.

Which compliance standards and reporting templates apply to responsible minerals sourcing?

Global frameworks and tools that guide compliance include:OECD Due Diligence Guidance (the international standard for responsible sourcing programs)Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) for 3TG reportingExtended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT) for cobalt, lithium, and other extended mineralsAligning your program with these standards ensures consistency with regulatory expectations.

What are the biggest challenges when engaging suppliers on mineral sourcing?

The most common challenges include:Finding the right contact: Procurement lists often contain sales emails, not compliance contacts.Educating suppliers: Some may be unfamiliar with conflict or extended minerals requirements.Managing volume: Large supplier networks make manual follow-up inefficient.Clear outreach — with instructions, deadlines, and links to templates — increases response rates and supplier accuracy.

How can technology support responsible minerals sourcing compliance?

Technology simplifies supplier engagement, tracking, and reporting by:Automating supplier outreach and data collectionCentralizing supplier responses in one platformFlagging risks tied to smelters or specific mineralsReducing manual follow-up and repetitive requestsEnsuring compliance programs adapt to evolving regulationsSolutions such as Assent’s sustainability platform help compliance teams reduce administrative workload while keeping programs aligned with SCIP and conflict minerals reporting requirements.

Bill S-211 requires companies that produce, distribute, or import goods in Canada to report publicly on how they’ve identified, assessed, and mitigated forced and child labour risks in their supply chains. Manufacturers remain a primary focus area, representing over one-third of all reporting entities in 2024. Compliance now means demonstrating measurable progress in your due diligence program, not simply publishing a report.

What are regulators looking for now under Bill S-211 reporting?

Following the 2025 deadline, Canadian authorities are emphasizing enforcement and accountability. Reports are being reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and evidence of real action. Key areas of focus include:Proof of supplier engagement on forced and child labour risks.Evidence of internal training and clear escalation processes.Year-over-year progress in identifying and mitigating high-risk suppliers.Consistency across global reports, particularly for companies also subject to the UK Modern Slavery Act or upcoming EU Forced Labour Regulation.

How does Assent improve Bill S-211 compliance?

Assent helps manufacturers go beyond one-time reporting to build continuous compliance and resilience under Bill S-211 and other global human rights regulations. Our Forced Labour Solution combines AI-powered supplier screening, automated data collection, and audit-ready reporting tools to help companies prove due diligence throughout the year.With Assent, you can:Automate supplier outreach and forced labour declarations.Identify high-risk suppliers through indirect screening and ownership data.Centralize all compliance documentation for annual reporting.Benchmark progress across multiple human rights frameworks.