Copper is a soft metal, easily malleable and tough. Mainly used for its conductivity, it is a key enabler of electrification and the energy transition. It is mainly mined in Chile, Peru and China.

Applications.

• Wiring harnesses
• High-voltage batteries
• Electric motors

Risks.

• Environmental impacts of mining waste on water, soil and air, e.g. from tailings and mine drainage
• Water consumption in arid regions
• Land use owing to low-grade ores
• Endangering the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples

Preventive measures.

• Collaboration with suppliers along the supply chain and conducting a research and development project to:
  • Increase the recyclate rate
  • Reduce CO₂ emissions and conserve resources
• Investments in innovative technologies via the venture capital fund BMW i Ventures, e.g. by the US startup Jetti Resources, to obtain copper from previously unusable resources and to reprocess tailings
• Copper pilot project (automotive industry dialogue): assessment, prevention and mitigation of risks associated with copper mining and processing in Peru; establishment of an ongoing dialogue with rights holders to coordinate preventive measures and corrective action and verify their effectiveness

Active involvement in initiatives.

• Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative: Involvement in the Stakeholder Advisory Group to consolidate standards of the ICMM, The Copper Mark, the World Gold Council and TSM 
• Responsible Minerals Initiative: Involvement in the Emerging Minerals Group, focusing on raising ESG standards for further copper processing in the midstream supply chain

Overarching policies and commitments