The project was funded in part by the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). The German Environment Agency (UBA) and the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) provided support and assistance.
This Handbook was authored by the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct, which drew on the technical expertise and support of UBA, BGR and OECD’s Environment Directorate. Levin Sources Limited provided support in the initial drafting and consultation process. The document also benefitted from input from 25 organisations as part of an expert working group, including representatives from government, the private sector and civil society. The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the time and valuable input provided by the members of the expert working group. During the development of the Handbook, the OECD Secretariat held several working meetings with experts on artisanal and small-scale mining, remedy, circularity and recycling. In addition, the Secretariat received extensive feedback from industry and civil society as part of an informal public consultation that took place from July to September 2022. Input was also received from Delegates to the OECD Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct (WPRBC). The Secretariat would like to thank all of those who dedicated their time and shared their knowledge as part of these processes.