PGM supply chain ESG analysis for a PEM electrolyser manufacturer

Identifying high standards of ESG performance at the mine level

SFA (Oxford) was commissioned to provide a peer review of the primary and secondary PGM suppliers’ ESG performance, covering key themes such as carbon emissions, decarbonisation strategies, community relations and employee welfare. With growing awareness of how ESG factors impact corporate supply chains, SFA has extensive experience within the PGM sector and how critical minerals will impact the future hydrogen sector, as well as other low-carbon technologies.

ESG supply chain due diligence

Supporting downstream metal buyers with mineral supply chain due diligence

The past decade has witnessed an expansive deployment of ESG regulation impacting mineral supply chains, with a more recent piece of legislation, the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, passed in January 2023. International supply chains are under greater scrutiny in monitoring, mitigating, and managing ESG risks. 

SFA leveraged its extensive knowledge and networks within the PGM sector to provide a high-level desktop review of ESG risks at the mine level. The project supported the company’s efforts to provide a rigorous assessment of its supply chain risks in compliance with regulatory requirements in the chemicals sector.

Board Presentation

Incisive strategic advice on the shifting and complex ESG regulatory landscape

SFA (Oxford) was invited to present to the board of a multi-national mining company on the upcoming trends in ESG supply chain due diligence and how to identify appropriate strategies to mitigate the oncoming regulatory risks impacting their operations and relationships with downstream buyers.

Upstream lithium workshop

In-depth understanding and assessment of investment risks from mine to metal

ESG risks have become a critical aspect when evaluating future upstream targets for acquisition; the exponential growth in demand for 'metals important for future technologies' or 'MIFTS' has led to companies looking to understand their supply chain and mineral sourcing challenges. SFA (Oxford) advised a gigafactory on the ESG risks and impacts on a potential upstream investment. With the mining of green metals becoming an increasingly sought-after yet high-risk venture, understanding multidisciplinary risks is becoming key as companies seek to secure and/or diversify supply.

Better labour resource management

Cost and efficiency analysis of a major producer’s human resources: maximising workforce performance

In assisting a client in the implementation of a progressive shaft improvement schedule, SFA (Oxford) identified and analysed key areas of labour underperformance (health, skills mismatch, prolonged absenteeism, unproductive labour pools etc.) so as to create additional value through increased productivity, and thus facilitating more cost-effective business planning. We helped to develop value-creating inputs for the strategic planning process to optimise future workforce skills and training going forward.