The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas provides a five-step framework for companies to conduct due diligence on their mineral supply chains. The guidance is referenced in the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and other national regulations.
Five-Step Framework
Step 1: Establish strong company management systems (supply chain policy, internal management systems, supplier engagement). Step 2: Identify and assess risks in the supply chain (map the supply chain, identify conflict-affected areas, assess risks). Step 3: Design and implement a strategy to respond to identified risks (suspend or discontinue engagement, mitigate risks). Step 4: Carry out independent third-party audit of supply chain due diligence. Step 5: Report annually on supply chain due diligence.