Porsche joins responsible mica initiative | Automotive Industry News

Porsche said it had joined the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI).

The cross industry coalition of international companies and non government organisations is campaigning for transparency and improved working conditions in mica mining.

The raw material is used in numerous industrial and cosmetic products. As an automotive manufacturer, Porsche uses mica in car paints. It represents the Volkswagen Group in the RMI.

India is one of the world’s most important mica producers and Porsche said the local mining regions of Jharkhand and Bihar are marked by poverty.

As part of internal analysis of paint supply chains, right back to the extraction of the raw material, the automaker identified “potential sustainability risks in mica mining” and “is working intensively with suppliers to ensure transparent and sustainable utilisation of the raw material mica”.

“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,” said Porsche procurement chief Uwe-Karsten Staedter.

“Through our involvement in the RMI, 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 organisations 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 and increase positive impact for the mica communities globally,” said Fanny Frémont, the RMI executive director.

RMI was founded in Paris in 2017. Among others, it develops global standards for mica mining and processing. These standards aim to address fair working conditions, safety and minimum wages. Organisations that join the initiative commit to adopting these standards.