...The lack of transparency of corporations like Aurubis prevents possible human rights violations and environmental destruction from being concretely assigned, pursued, and finally remedied. Only if the supply chains are transparent, independent organizations can verify the sustainability claims of the corporations in order to investigate possible cases of non-compliance with due diligence obligations regarding the environment and human rights. The mining sector is considered a high-risk sector, especially copper mining. South American copper mines, from which Aurubis obtains or has obtained copper concentrate, have repeatedly attracted attention due to environmental and human rights violations...

Aurubis’ argument for not naming its suppliers and mines has so far always been competitive and contractual reasons. But this argument is crumbling. Copper producer Gold Fields Perú has named Aurubis as its main copper customer in its annual reports. It seems that it is rather Aurubis that gives importance to not being named – and not the suppliers. Aurubis itself confirms upon request that its suppliers do not put pressure against the publication of Aurubis’ supplier base.

To reinforce the demand for transparency, a broad group of civil society organizations, including from Germany (where Aurubis is headquartered) and Peru (where Aurubis buys copper concentrate) – are now reaching out to Aurubis’ investors and funders. Therefore, CI Romero, CooperAcción, Dachverband der Kritischen Aktionäre, Equidad, Erzdiözese Freiburg, Facing Finance, Fair Finance International, FDCL, FIAN, Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker, Goliathwatch, Informationsstelle Peru, Kampagne Bergbau Peru and Südwind are launching a “Call-To-Action”, where bank customers can send a letter to Aurubis’ funders and investors – such as Commerzbank, Allianz, BNP Paribas, Amundi, UniCredit, Deutsche Bank, ING, and German state banks – urging them to advocate for transparency at Aurubis before its next annual general meeting in February 2024...