Responsible sourcing of Conflict Minerals & Strategic Raw Materials

Internship objective: Design a material‑centric, risk‑based responsible sourcing framework for Conflict Minerals and Critical and Strategic Raw Materials at imec.

Core problem: Conflict minerals and critical or strategic raw materials are embedded across imec’s value chain. They appear in solid, liquid, and gaseous inputs and can originate from any tier, not only Tier‑1 suppliers. Supplier‑based due diligence alone is insufficient. A material‑based approach is required.

Key shift: Move from supplier‑centric ESG due diligence to material‑centric due diligence, aligned with OECD guidance, the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, and CSDDD expectations.

Scope
In scope: High‑impact material flows across all tiers - Solid components, liquids, and gases used in semiconductor R&D and pilot manufacturing - Integration with existing supplier archetypes, risk matrices, and KPIs.

Out of scope: Full Tier‑2 or Tier‑3 traceability - Quantification of material volumes - Material substitution or redesign.

Project structure

Phase 1. Literatuurstudie rond Conflictmineralen en kritische en strategische rauwe materialen; (krijtlijnen nog uit te tekenen)

Phase 2. Material entry‑point and supply‑chain scoping: Select representative material flows across equipment, chemicals, and gases; Identify how and where materials enter imec, including importer‑of‑record checks; Map upstream tiers where material risk originates; Identify information gaps and unmanaged risks.

Phase 3. Risk prioritisation model: Design a prioritisation logic based on material risk, form, geography, supply‑chain complexity, and imec leverage;  Apply proportionality to avoid one‑size‑fits‑all controls.

Phase 4. Procurement controls and integration: Develop a responsible sourcing playbook for conflict minerals and critical raw materials; Define how to identify sensitive materials at purchase level; Update supplier questionnaires and contractual clauses; Design a material‑centric risk matrix; Link outputs directly to the non‑climate ESG KPI on risk identification, prioritisation, and follow‑up.

Deliverables: 

• Material taxonomy for solid, liquid, and gaseous inputs;
• Material‑centric supply‑chain maps for selected flows.
• Risk prioritisation framework with documented assumptions;
• Responsible sourcing playbook for procurement use.
• Visual risk matrix aligned with existing supplier governance;
• Clear input to imec’s non‑climate ESG KPI baseline and tracking.

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Sustainable Procurement