Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Evaluation of the High Purity Manganese Sulphate Monohydrate (HPMSM) Supply Chain

The report presents the findings of a research project conducted in collaboration with RCS Global, aiming to examine environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the high purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) value chain, particularly relevant for its use in electric vehicle batteries. The investigation objectives included analyzing ESG factors at each stage of the HPMSM value chain, comparing environmental challenges in its production across dominant producing countries, contrasting HPMSM ESG factors with other battery cathode chemicals, and offering industry insights on risk mitigation and best practices. The study aimed to enhance industry awareness and promote best practices regarding ESG factors in the HPMSM value chain.

The study utilized sustainability schemes from Germany’s Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. The research phase received support through collaboration with four Chinese HPMSM producers who underwent an on-site responsible sourcing audit at their production sites (these audited companies contribute to 66% of HPMSM production in China in the first half of 2023). Additionally, seven IMnI Members representing the upstream (Mn ore producers) or downstream (cathode/battery producers) value chain were interviewed to provide their expertise on their respective value chains, along with four industry experts carefully selected for their relevance to the topics covered.