Support for Responsible Business Conduct in the Extractive Sector

To advance support for international standards and coordination in the extractive sector this initiative aims to: (1) strengthen OECD Multinational Enterprise Guidelines’ National Contact Points (NCPs) in developing countries; (2) develop a Guide on Stakeholder Engagement in the extractive sector which provides specific advice to governments industry communities and civil society on how to engage with one another and general processes for constructive dialogue; and (3) advance the ongoing efforts of the OECD Working Groups on Due Diligence in the Mining and Minerals Sector (gold tin tungsten and tantalum (3Ts)) the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and support the multi-stakeholder Governance Group for the linked initiatives.

The expected results of this project include: (1) strengthened capacity of NCPs to manage stakeholder engagement dispute resolution and mediation processes consistent with the recommendations of the OECD MNE Guidelines applicable laws and international standards for responsible business conduct; (2) increased implementation of and compliance with leading practices for corporate social responsibility and environmental performance in developing countries; (3) reduced social conflict around extractive operations; (4) improved capacity for developing country NCPs to conduct workshops and promote stakeholder engagement in extractive industries; (5) improved capacity of MNEs including SMEs to effectively engage stakeholders and indigenous groups in order to acquire and maintain a social license to operate enhance reputation of the enterprises reduce potential risks to the enterprise and increase understanding and trust with communities; (6) strengthened capacity of actors throughout the supply chain to exercise due diligence in ensuring the origin of minerals and their conflict-free status; and (7) reduced disincentives for investment in fragile and conflict-affected states through the development of responsible and reliable processes for sourcing minerals.