Sports Car Manufacturer Supports Sustainable Mining of Mica in India: Porsche joins multi-stakeholder Responsible Mica Initiative

STUTTGART, Germany & PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porsche has joined the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI). This cross-industry coalition of international companies and non-governmental organizations is campaigning for transparency and improved working conditions in mica supply chains. The raw material is used in numerous industrial and cosmetic products. As an automotive manufacturer, Porsche also contributes to the global consumption of the raw material through use of mica in car paints. The sports car manufacturer represents the Volkswagen Group in the Responsible Mica Initiative.

India is one of the world’s most important mica producers. The local mining regions of Jharkhand and Bihar are marked by poverty. As part of internal analyses of selected paint supply chains, right back to the extraction of the raw material, Porsche identified potential sustainability risks in mica mining. The sports car manufacturer is working intensively with suppliers to ensure transparent and sustainable utilisation of the raw material mica.

“For Porsche, responsibility begins a long way from the factory gates. We require our suppliers to comply with internationally recognised social and environmental standards. The mining of raw materials is an important factor in that,” says Uwe-Karsten Städter, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Procurement at Porsche AG. “Through our involvement in the Responsible Mica Initiative, we are taking responsibility for our impact on India’s mining regions. We want to improve people’s lives on the ground through concrete projects. We will also play an active role in developing and implementing sustainable industry standards.”

“Our growing initiative already has over 60 member organizations from various sectors. We are delighted that Porsche is now also contributing important supply chain expertise as an automotive manufacturer. With Porsche as a member, we can broaden our base even further but mainly, increase positive impact for the mica communities globally,” says Fanny Frémont, Executive Director of the Responsible Mica Initiative.

The Responsible Mica Initiative was founded in Paris in 2017. Under its first – out of 3 main – working areas, it develops and implements global standards for mica mining and processing. These standards aim to address fair working conditions, safety and minimum wages. Organisations that join the Responsible Mica Initiative commit to adopting these standards.

By joining the Responbsible Mica Initiative, Porsche will join forces with RMI’s current members and also contribute to the two other working areas, namely support empowerment of mica-communities through increased livelihoods and access to quality education, as well as enforcement of a proper policy and regulation framework.

About the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI)
RMI is a global Coalition for Action comprised of multiple organisations committed to establishing a fair, responsible and sustainable mica supply chain in India that will eliminate unacceptable working conditions and eradicate child labour by 2022. RMI uses a multi-stakeholder and holistic approach that engages companies, civil society organisations, industry associations and governments to develop and implement three integrated program pillars that will establish responsible workplace standards, empower local communities and support establishment of a legal framework for the mica sector.
To know more, visit: https://responsible-mica-initiative.com