The Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) is a standardized template created by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). It is designed to facilitate the sharing of information throughout the supply chain about mineral origins, smelters, and refiners used. The CMRT helps ensure compliance with Section 1502 of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act and other international regulations governing the responsible sourcing of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold (3TG).
 

A key feature of the CMRT is identifying smelters and refiners with RMI-assigned Smelter Identification Numbers, commonly referred to as CIDs. These unique IDs are essential for verifying the authenticity and audit status of smelters and refiners in the supply chain.

Why a CID Might Be Missing

There are several reasons why a CID may not appear in the CMRT for a specific smelter or refiner. Understanding these situations is important for accurate reporting and risk management.

1. Smelter Not Yet Certified by RMI

Only smelters and refiners that have been identified and validated by the RMI are given a CID. If a smelter is newly reported or has not yet been validated, it will lack a CID in the CMRT.

Resolution: Keep track of the RMI’s published smelter list for updates or encourage the smelter to participate in the RMI’s validation process. Here are the relevant resources:

• RMI Eligible Facilities List: This list includes all facilities that meet the RMI’s basic eligibility criteria to participate in the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP). These facilities may or may not have undergone an assessment yet, but they are recognized as part of the upstream or downstream supply chain for 3TG and other minerals.
  • Purpose: To identify facilities that are potential candidates for RMAP assessment.
  • Status: May include facilities that are not yet active or conformant.

• RMI Active & Conformant Facilities List: This list is divided into two categories:
  • Active Facilities: Facilities currently undergoing an RMAP assessment or in the process of renewing their conformance status.
  • Conformant Facilities: Facilities that have successfully completed an RMAP assessment and are found to be conformant with RMI’s standards for responsible sourcing.
  • Purpose: To provide transparency and assurance to downstream companies about the due diligence status of smelters and refiners.
  • Updated: Regularly, based on assessment outcomes

• Indicators and Facilities List by Metal: This dashboard-style resource provides a real-time snapshot of facility participation in RMAP by metal or mineral (e.g., gold, tin, tantalum, tungsten, cobalt, etc.).
  • Includes:
    • Total number of eligible facilities per metal
    • Number of active and conformant facilities
  • Purpose: To help stakeholders quickly assess the level of responsible sourcing engagement across different minerals

• RMI Smelter Reference list: This is a comprehensive list of all known smelters and refiners that have been identified by the RMI, regardless of their participation in RMAP.
  • Includes:
    • Facility names
    • Locations
    • Assigned Smelter Identification Numbers (CIDs)
  • Purpose: To support supply chain mapping and validation efforts, especially when completing the CMRT.

2. Incomplete or Incorrect Smelter Details

If the smelter’s name, location, or other identifying information is entered incorrectly or incompletely, the CMRT may not be able to match the entry with a known smelter in the RMI database.
Resolution: Verify the accuracy of the supplied smelter details. Cross-check names and locations using the official RMI Smelter Reference List.
 

3. Use of Placeholder or Dummy Entries

Sometimes, suppliers may use placeholder names (e.g., “Unknown Smelter” or “TBD”) when actual smelter data is unavailable. These entries do not correspond to valid CIDs.
Resolution: Follow up with suppliers to gather complete and verified smelter information before finalizing the CMRT.
 

4. Newly Added or Unlisted Smelter

A smelter may be newly integrated into the supply chain and not yet listed in the RMI’s database. This is common in emerging markets or artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
Resolution: Submit the smelter details to the RMI for review and possible inclusion in future updates.
 

5. Formatting or Data Entry Mistakes

Even minor formatting errors—such as extra spaces, inconsistent capitalization, or incorrect country codes—can prevent the CMRT from recognizing a smelter and assigning a CID.
Resolution: Use the CMRT’s validation tools and ensure data complies with the RMI’s formatting rules.
 

Best Practices for Ensuring CID Presence

To improve the accuracy and completeness of your CMRT submissions:

✅ Always download the latest CMRT version from the RMI website.
✅ Cross-reference smelter names and locations with the official RMI list.
✅ Encourage suppliers to provide complete and accurate smelter data early.
✅ Use RMI’s Smelter Look-up Tool and validation features within the CMRT.
✅ If smelter data is missing, document the reason and follow up regularly.
 

Need Assistance?
If issues with missing CIDs persist or you need assistance verifying smelter information, don't hesitate to get in touch with the RMI support team or refer to the RMI Smelter Database for further guidance.