Our approach
How a sourcing
enquiry is reviewed.
We agree the scope of the enquiry, establish the parties’ roles and identify the checks needed before a purchase proceeds.
Transaction review
The stages of
a supply enquiry.
The scope depends on the material, source, available records and commercial terms. These stages provide a starting point for agreeing the work.
01Agree the buying specification
We start with the material, intended use, quantity, delivery point and timetable. The receiving plant’s requirements guide the enquiry.A written purchase brief
02Establish the source and seller’s role
We ask who controls the material, who is authorised to sell it and which records support the proposed supply. Any unanswered questions are recorded.Source and counterparty records
03Agree sampling and inspection
The parties decide how the lot will be sampled, which independent tests are required and how results will be used. Access, cost and timing are agreed before work starts.An inspection and sampling plan
04Document the commercial terms
The agreement needs to cover quality, quantity, delivery, payment and the procedure for resolving differences. Legal and technical advisers review the relevant terms.Transaction documents
05Coordinate the agreed work
We keep track of outstanding documents, responsibilities and dates, and bring changes to the attention of the people affected.A record of progress and outstanding items
Points to establish
What each party
needs to confirm.
The records should identify the source, the lot and the authority behind the offer.
Authority to sell
Identify who controls the material and which agreements authorise the proposed sale.
Sampling and inspection
Agree the inspector’s scope, the lot to be sampled and the procedure for reviewing the result.
Contractual responsibilities
Record who is responsible for each obligation and the conditions for payment and delivery.
Outstanding issues
Keep unanswered questions on the record until the responsible person supplies a satisfactory response.
Our approach is informed by the importance of risk-based due diligence. The OECD mineral-supply-chain guidance is a useful external reference, not an ECG certification or endorsement.
Enquiry questions
Common questions.
What does ECG do?
We source and aggregate mineral supply, coordinate trade discussions and support mining-project planning. We work with buyers, third-party suppliers, project owners and prospective partners.
Does ECG own the mines it sources from?
Our sourcing role can involve third-party mines and suppliers. The source, contracting party and authority to sell are established for each transaction; an introduction does not imply ECG owns the mine.
Do the mineral pages show available stock?
No. They describe the enquiries we welcome. Ask us to confirm current availability, product form, grade and quantity against your specification.
Can a buyer arrange independent inspection?
Yes, independent inspection can be discussed when scoping the purchase. The parties must agree the inspector, site access, sampling method, cost and acceptance procedure.
What should a prospective mining partner send?
Send a non-confidential outline of your interest, the project stage and the contribution you have in mind. Detailed records can follow once the review and information-sharing arrangements are agreed.
Contact ECG