Environmental, Social, and Governance Standards and Practices of Chinese Overseas Companies: Indonesia case study

As demand for critical minerals rises, so, too, do expectations for responsible business practices. As a global leader in the mining sector, improving China’s sustainability standards and performance in critical minerals supply chains could translate into significant social and environmental improvements across the entire sector. At the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference, IISD hosted an official side event where findings from our latest report on Chinese ESG standards and practices were presented and discussed alongside an expert panel.

The study outlines the evolution of the Chinese national ESG framework in mineral value chains and compares Chinese and international voluntary sustainability standards. Through interviews with stakeholders in the nickel supply chain in Indonesia, the study provides an overview of the main challenges Chinese companies face in implementing ESG practices, including supply chain due diligence. It highlights key areas and measures that could contribute to enhancing ESG standards among Chinese mining and processing companies operating overseas.