Collective project responsible copper mining in Peru
The first joint impact project of the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector focuses on responsible copper mining by small-scale miners in Peru. Copper is essential for the energy transition and plays a key role in both wind and solar energy. As Peru is one of the world’s largest copper producers, responsible sourcing from this country is of strategic importance for companies in the sector.
The project participants are Sunrock, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and the SER as secretariat of the Agreement. It is implemented in collaboration with two external partners: the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and The Copper Mark. The project is financed by the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM).
The aim is to integrate Artisanal and Small-scale Copper Mining (ASCM) in Peru into formal, global responsible supply chains. Over a two-year period, the partners are working on three main objectives:
- Establishing dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders in the small-scale mining sector, with a focus on human rights.
- Encouraging improved mining practices and integrating small-scale production into responsible supply chains, including through the CRAFT Code developed by ARM.
- Sharing knowledge and lessons learned so that Agreement participants and other actors can apply these in their due diligence processes.
The first multi-stakeholder dialogues in Peru have already taken place and a roadmap has been developed. The selected ASCMs are currently working on the implementation of the CRAFT Code. The project will run until the end of 2026.