Media Contact:
Claire Hermann, chermann@earthworksaction.org
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2025
The 2026 Lead the Charge Auto Supply Chain Leaderboard, which ranks global automakers based on their efforts to build equitable, sustainable, and fossil-free supply chains for electric vehicles, shows a majority of automakers are now taking important initial steps towards cleaner electric vehicle supply chains.
One remarkable indicator of progress is that combining the best scores by automakers in each area analyzed results in a total score of 86%, demonstrating that proven solutions are available. For example, three companies disclosed direct mineral sourcing agreements that include specific human rights and environmental requirements in contractual terms. Three other companies now publish detailed raw material reports on their progress to prevent, mitigate and remedy human rights and environmental harms across a range of mineral supply chains, including lithium, cobalt and nickel. These raw material reports include examples of direct engagement with companies and impacted communities to address specific harms related to copper and cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lithium from Chile and Australia, and nickel from Indonesia.
Statement from Ellen Moore, Mining Program Director
“By modeling improvements across a variety of issues, electric vehicle makers are demonstrating that they have the ability to help transform mineral supply chains. As influential buyers, they can steer the mining industry towards practices that respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, workers, human rights, and the environment.
“Although individual companies each have significant room for improvement, the 2026 Lead the Charge Leaderboard shows that the industry as a whole already has the solutions required to build electric vehicles that live up to the promise of justice and sustainability.
“Cleaner transportation isn’t just about what comes out of the tailpipe. In order to build a truly green economy, manufacturers must ensure that their supply chains use best practices for responsible mining.
“Mining is currently a major greenhouse gas contributor, toxic polluter, and driver of violations of human rights and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. That means that when automakers push for better practices, they can have a big impact. By learning from other companies and adopting best practices, electric vehicle companies can help build a more prosperous and secure future for all of us.”
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Additional resources
Article from the Securing Indigenous Rights in the Green Economy Coalition