Diversified miner Teck Resources has partnered with DLT Labs to use blockchain technology to trace responsibly-produced germanium from the mine to the customer – the first such use of blockchain to trace the critical mineral.
Teck is North America’s biggest producer of germanium, a critical mineral and one of the integral elements required for digital devices and communications.
Teck says the pilot is in support of its sustainability strategy goal to develop a product passport, providing traceability into the raw materials supply chain.
Through the pilot, germanium will be traced from its origin at the Red Dog mine, in north-west Alaska, through transport and comingling with other sources, refining at Teck’s Trail metallurgical facility and finally to a manufacturer of fibre optic cable.
Blockchain technology will be used to embed data including information on responsible environmental, social and governance practices along the supply chain.