Traceability - for sustainable metals and minerals
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE RESEARCH INSTITUTES OF SWEDEN AB,Borås |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 944 811 |
| Project duration | April 2018 - May 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The project developed a concept for a traceability system for copper. The system enables stakeholders early in the value chain to use sustainability as a competitive advantage and enable customers in the whole value stream to demand and buy sustainable certified copper. Mapping the copper flow was a challenge as players in the value chain do not want to share the information, but the project was able to create a sufficiently good understanding of the flow to achieve the project goals. The steering committee is now committed to test the developed system in a pilot study.
Expected long term effects
If the proposed concept is implemented, it will: - create a more sustainable and aware international mining industry. - create a competitive advantage for sustainable copper producers. - Enable buyers to demand, choose and show how sustainable they are through a differentiated price model for copper. Since the proposed concept applies a mass balance principle and traces digital transactions instead of physical copper, the system will not be able to verify the origin of copper.
Approach and implementation
Svemin´s project ownership gave the project an important platform, credibility and network. The committed and knowledgeable steering committee is a significant reason behind the successful outcome of the project and the attention it has gotten in the whole value stream of copper. Since our innovative solution requires a system change in the whole copper value stream, resources were put into communicating the functions and the value of the system.