In the world of supply chain compliance, two key reporting templates often come up: the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) and the Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT). While both are created and maintained by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), they serve different purposes and cover different sets of materials. Understanding the distinction is critical for compliance managers, suppliers, and manufacturers.
The CMRT (Conflict Minerals Reporting Template)
- Focus: 3TG — Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum, and Gold.
- Origin: Designed to support compliance with the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act (Section 1502) on conflict minerals.
- Purpose: Helps companies identify smelters/refiners in their supply chain and assess whether 3TG originates from conflict-affected regions, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and adjoining countries.
- Latest Version (as of 2025): CMRT 6.5.
- Key Sections:
- Company-level declaration.
- Scope (company, product, or part level).
- Smelter/refiner lists.
- Due diligence measures.
- Company-level declaration.
The EMRT (Extended Minerals Reporting Template)
- Focus: Minerals beyond 3TG — specifically Cobalt and Mica (and potentially more in future).
- Origin: Launched to address growing ESG and human rights concerns linked to child labor and unsafe mining conditions in cobalt and mica supply chains.
- Purpose: Provides a standardized way for companies to collect and report due diligence data on cobalt and mica sourcing, aligning with OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
- Latest Version (as of 2025): EMRT 2.0.
- Key Sections:
- Company information and declaration.
- Supply chain mapping for cobalt and mica.
- Smelter/refiner lists (with RMI IDs where available).
- Responsible sourcing policies.
CMRT vs. EMRT at a Glance
| Aspect | CMRT | EMRT |
| Materials Covered | Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum, Gold (3TG) | Cobalt, Mica |
| Regulatory Driver | U.S. Dodd-Frank Act (Conflict Minerals Rule) | ESG, OECD Guidance, industry-driven demand |
| Primary Risk Addressed | Armed conflict financing, DRC region risks | Child labor, unsafe mining, supply chain transparency |
| Template Version (2025) | 6.5 | 2.0 |
| Mandatory? | For U.S. SEC filers (if 3TG in scope) | Not legally required, but increasingly requested by OEMs and large buyers |
Why the Distinction Matters
- Compliance Scope: If you supply products containing 3TG, you’ll be asked for a CMRT. If your products involve cobalt or mica, customers will expect an EMRT.
- Customer Demands: Even if you’re not legally required to submit these templates, large OEMs and Tier 1s often require them from all suppliers to maintain responsible sourcing claims.
- Best Practice: Be prepared to collect both CMRT and EMRT declarations across your supplier base to stay competitive and audit-ready.
In summary:
- CMRT = Conflict Minerals (3TG)
- EMRT = Extended Minerals (Cobalt + Mica)
Both templates are vital tools in building a transparent, ethical supply chain and protecting your company from regulatory and reputational risks.
