Areas of application automotive industry.

• Gold: Audio amplifier, HV charging electronics, air conditioning system
• Tantalum: HV charging electronics, exhaust gas turbocharger, e-machine electronics, coolant pump
• Tungsten: exhaust gas turbochargers, gearboxes, pistons
• Tin: shock absorbers, wheels, fuel tanks

The BMW Group systematically analyzes globally known and typical risks in connection with the extraction and processing of raw materials and derives appropriate measures from this, with a focus on the DR Congo, the CAHRA region and neighboring areas.

Analyzing risks.

• Violation of human rights in connection with the extraction, transportation or trade of 3TG, such as violation of freedom of association and the unlawful displacement and violation of land rights of indigenous peoples
• Child and forced labor
• Direct or indirect support for armed groups
• Violation of workers' rights, e.g. occupational health and safety and fair pay
• Impact on people and the environment through the use of toxic additives (in small-scale mining) and improper disposal of mining residues, e.g. tailings
• Risk of loss of biodiversity
• CO₂-emissions and energy consumption due to the mining and production of gold

Measures taken by the BMW Group.

• Implementation of due diligence measures in accordance with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected an High-Risk Areas in order to identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain
• Creating supply chain transparency: raising awareness among Tier 1 suppliers through direct contact, information and training with the aim of improving traceability and steadily increasing the proportion of certified smelters in the supply chain
• Increasing the proportion of secondary raw materials through a closed material cycle: continuous reduction in the demand for primary raw materials in tools containing tungsten since 2021. This involves collecting and recycling disused drill and screw inserts from our German and Austrian plants and producing new tools from the secondary raw material obtained, which reducesCO2 emissions by up to 60 percent

Initiatives.

• Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI): Membership of the BMW Group