Voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) are becoming central to how sustainability practices are implemented across global mineral supply chains. However, the landscape of these standards remains fragmented and difficult to navigate.
In our recent study, we provide a comprehensive mapping of VSS in the mining, minerals, and metals (M3) sectors. We compile a database of 38 active standards, covering different materials and stages of the value chain, from upstream mining to downstream traceability.
Our analysis shows that the VSS landscape has evolved significantly since the early 2000s, moving through phases of rapid expansion toward increasing alignment with regulatory frameworks. At the same time, standards are becoming more interconnected through cross-referencing and shared requirements, although coordination remains uneven.
The study also highlights how VSS draw on international frameworks such as OECD, UN, and ILO guidelines, translating global sustainability norms into practical tools for industry.
Overall, this work provides a clearer picture of how sustainability governance is structured in the M3 sector and offers a foundation for improving coordination between standards, industry practices, and policy.
Explore the full dataset and visualizations on our website, and the full research paper here.
Source: Zhang, C., Nouvel Zurcher, C., Monfort Climent, D., & Young, S. B. (2026). Mapping voluntary sustainability standard systems in the mining, minerals, and metals sectors. Resources Policy, 116, 105922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2026.105922