Metal producers will use the Copper Mark assurance framework to achieve the designation, the Copper Mark said.

The pilot will run from November until July 2023, and will include third-party assessment against the Copper Mark assurance framework. If conditions are fully or partially met, the site will receive either the Molybdenum Mark, Nickel Mark, or the Zinc Mark.

The organisation plans a full launch for metals producers in 2023.

The pilot project aims to understand applying a multi-metal approach for single and multi-metal producers. It will also test how well the framework supports metal producers' ability to meet impending regulatory requirements and market expectations for more sustainable and responsibly mined metals.

The Copper Mark has been collaborating with the International Molybdenum Association, the Nickel Institute, and the International Zinc Association to work on sustainable production and sourcing within value chains.

"It is widely acknowledged that the world will require more metals and minerals in the coming decades to drive the energy transition, and other sustainable applications, but it is critical that those metals and minerals be produced and sourced responsibly," Copper Mark Executive Director Michele Brulhart said.

The implementation of this framework will "enable transparent reporting" and "harmonised procedures across sites and products," International Zinc Association Executive Director Andrew Green said.

The Copper Mark announced its plans to expand to other metals in April.