For traders and manufacturers and those involved in the supply chain of metals, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has produced a manual that sets out guidance for traders and manufacturers that source and use metals such as Lithium, Tantalum and Niobium.

The manual titled, “Due Diligence Guidance: towards conflict-free mineral supply chains: How to boost your business and become certified under the ICGLR Certification Scheme can be found here

E.U.
The EU Regulation on Conflict Minerals covering critical raw materials such as Lithium, Tantalum and Niobium that apply to EU importers as of 1 January 2021 addresses such concerns. The European Partnership on Responsible Minerals helps mines to comply with the EU Regulation and OECD due diligence guidance. A forthcoming proposal for a Batteries Regulation will address the responsible sourcing of battery raw materials and the Commission is considering making a possible horizontal regulatory proposal on due diligence.

Lithium, Tantalum and Niobium are on the EU register of critical raw materials. Details can be found here

United States
The United States Department of Interior has released a list of 35 minerals that they consider to be critical to the economy and national security. Lithium, Tantalum and Niobium are all included on this list. The full list can be found here