Our Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (formerly the Conflict Free Smelter Program (CFSP)) was established to cultivate transparent mineral supply chains and sustainable corporate engagement in the mineral sector with a view to prevent the extraction and trade of minerals from becoming a source of conflict, human rights abuses, and insecurity.

This standard was developed as a specific, practical framework to consistently audit the operations and practices of tin and tantalum smelters, the point at which mineral is converted into a generic metallic powder, product or compound. It follows guidance provided by the final report of the UN Group of Experts to the Security Council on 15  November 2010, and by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas Third Edition (OECD Guidance). The OECD Guidance provides a working framework for companies to approach conformance with the due diligence requirements outlined in existing regulations or upcoming legislative initiatives.  

This standard aligns the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process with the OECD Guidance. Compared to previous versions, it places increased emphasis on the review of management systems and applies a global definition of Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs). It requires auditees to implement due diligence proportional to the risk profile of tin and tantalum sources. The standard does not cover all human rights, social, and environmental risks that smelters may be faced with as part of their responsible sourcing practices, and a successful audit should not be used to imply operating performance beyond the strict scope of the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process. The process reviews an auditee’s supply-chain due diligence activities of all applicable material inputs and assesses their alignment with the five-step framework of the OECD Guidance.