Beyond environmental concerns, the social impact of lithium mining holds significant weight in the realm of sustainable sourcing. It is imperative for companies operating in Argentina’s lithium mines to actively engage with local communities and foster contributions to local economic development. In this context, the mission undertaken by CSR Europe and Drive Sustainability proved invaluable, as it provided a platform for exchange with the local community of Tolar. This interaction allowed for a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of indigenous communities directly affected by mining operations.
With the global shift towards renewable energy and electric mobility in full swing, the demand for lithium is poised to skyrocket. Recognizing this pressing need, CSR Europe and Drive Sustainability are steadfastly dedicated to promoting a sustainable approach to lithium mining.
Boasting over a decade of collaborative efforts, the Drive Sustainability partners – BMW Group, Daimler Truck, Ford Motor Company, Geely, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group – have assessed a staggering 107,000 suppliers and provided training activities to more than 3,000 suppliers. In 2020, the partnership unveiled its long-term strategy, expanding its scope of work to address four pivotal sustainability challenges: sustainable raw material sourcing, workforce wellbeing, carbon-neutral supply chains, and circular value chains. Furthermore, in 2021, Drive Sustainability launched Raw Material Outlook, a data-driven platform offering an in-depth analysis of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks and impacts associated with materials used in automotive value chains. This valuable resource empowers Drive Sustainability’s Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with actionable insights to enhance the efficacy of their risk and impact management strategies and processes.
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Senior Project Manager, Drive Sustainability
