Delegation of the International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector visits Peru to strengthen responsible copper supply chains
A delegation representing the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector conducted a field visit to Peru as part of the Peru Copper Project — an impact project focused on the integration of artisanal and small-scale copper mining (ASCM) into global responsible supply chains. The visit was facilitated by the project partner Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM).
© Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)
One of the priorities of the IRBC Agreement is to initiate impact projects on the ground to improve social and environmental conditions in renewable energy supply chains. Copper is a critical material in the energy transition, playing a fundamental role in both wind and solar technologies. Peru is among the world’s leading copper producers, making responsible sourcing from the country strategically significant for renewable energy companies. Therefore, Agreement parties find Peru copper project important.
The Peru Copper Project is funded by the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM). IRBC Agreement participants in the project are Sunrock, the Danish Institute for Human Rights and SER, as the Secretariat of the IRBC Agreement. The project is implemented together with two external parties: ARM and The Copper Mark—a leading standard for responsible copper sourcing.
The delegation began its mission with site visits to two artisanal mining operations and a copper processing facility in Cobrecampa, located in the Nasca region. The owners of all three enterprises provided tours of their facilities and engaged in in-depth discussions with the visitors, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they face. Following the field visit, a multi-stakeholder dialogue was held in Lima, bringing together over 20 representatives from across Peru’s mining sector. The event served as a platform to discuss the future of copper mining in the country, with a specific emphasis on the role and potential of ASCM. During the session, Sunrock and the Secretariat of the IRBC Agreement shared their initial impressions from the field and later took part in a panel discussion.
Throughout the visit, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of the complexities within the ASCM sector, including the resilience and innovation of local entrepreneurs. Community representatives emphasized several pressing needs, including improved access to financial services, insurance options, streamlined formalization procedures, and enhanced regulatory clarity. Insights and lessons gathered during the visit will be shared with all parties to the IRBC Agreement, contributing to ongoing efforts to foster sustainable, equitable, and transparent mineral supply chains essential for a just global energy transition.
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