Anglo American PLC (LSE:AAL) and Aurubis AG, one of the world's largest copper recyclers, said they have agreed to work together to develop sustainably sourced and supplied copper.
The companies said they are seeking to provide assurance around the way copper is mined, processed, transported and brought to market.
The FTSE 100 miner and Aurubis will also explore the possibilities of technology-driven traceability that could bring greater transparency to the entire production cycle, as well as cooperating in areas of common interest in technology development.
"Copper plays such a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of climate change and raising living standards for the world's growing population,” said Peter Whitcutt, chief executive Anglo American's marketing business. “Rightly, it needs to be produced sustainably and as part of a customer-centric supply chain.”
“We are constantly investing in solutions for responsibly handling the resources entrusted to us as the most efficient smelter network globally,” said Roland Harings, chief executive of Aurubis. “This collaboration with Anglo American is yet another example of how we intend to develop and enhance the transparency of the entire supply chain.”
Both companies already participate in the “Copper Mark”, an independent entity set up to promote the responsible production of the metal.