Responsible sourcing | London Metal Exchange

The LME responsible sourcing programme is an initiative which ensures that all LME-listed brands meet a set of responsible sourcing requirements.

The LME first introduced the LME Policy on Responsible Sourcing of LME-Listed Brands (PDF) in October 2019.

Today, the programme mandates that all LME-registered brands:

implement the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
maintain ISO 14001 environmental management system certification (or equivalent)
maintain ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system certification (or equivalent)

Responsible sourcing framework

Responsible sourcing at the LME leverages existing work in the market by building on well-established frameworks and standards regarding due diligence on the sourcing of metals. This alignment ensures that the LME's requirements are consistent with international best practices and make it easier for companies to integrate these standards into their existing operations.

In addition, transparency is the cornerstone of the LME responsible sourcing programme. Transparency plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and accountability within metal supply chains. To facilitate this, the market can view voluntary sustainability disclosures from LME-listed brands via LMEpassport.

Guidance notes

If this is your first introduction to responsible sourcing and the LME, we recommend starting with our supporting guidance notes and webinars on responsible sourcing.

Contact us

To learn more, or to submit compliance information, please contact our Responsible Sourcing team.

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Responsible sourcing policy documents

The LME Policy on Responsible Sourcing of LME-Listed Brands sets out the basis on which the LME will determine whether a brand is compliant with the LME's standards for responsible sourcing.

Part 7 of the LME Rulebook is where the LME Responsible Sourcing Policy is formally incorporated into the requirements for the listing of brands.

downloads (PDF)

Compliance documents

Brands following track B (audited LME RFA track) or track C (published LME RFA track) are required to fill out the LME Red Flag Assessment template and the embedded Red Flag Assessment Workbook.

Brands sourcing solely from secondary materials for the entire duration of the reporting period are exempt from the implementation of the OECD Guidance. Instead, these brands are required to fill out the LME Secondary Material Sourcing Attestation Form following track D.

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Guidance notes and webinars

The LME Responsible Sourcing Handbook summarises the LME responsible sourcing requirements and provides specific guidance on topics that merit additional explanation. Appendices A – E within the handbook should be used in conjunction with the LME Policy on Responsible Sourcing of LME-Listed Brands.

Watch the on-demand webinar series for an in-depth discussion of the LME’s responsible sourcing requirements.

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Approved partners

The LME Responsible Sourcing Policy refers to various partners that may support an LME-listed brand’s compliance. These entities include LME-approved standards for track A, auditors, alignment assessors and ISO equivalent certification programmes.

View the list of approved partners.

If you would like to become an approved partner, please fill out the appropriate application form(s) available for download on the right hand side of this page and send them to responsiblesourcing@lme.com.

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Reporting

The LME provides the market with updates related to the responsible sourcing programme. This includes the LME Red Flag Assessment Summary Statistics for all LME-listed brands that followed track C and LMEpassport where brand-specific information can be found. Relevant LME notices and the annual reflection are also available for download.

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