Teck uses blockchain to trace germanium from mine to customer

21st January 2022 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Diversified miner Teck Resources has partnered with DLT Labs to use blockchain technology to trace responsibly-produced germanium from the mine to the customer – the first such use of blockchain to trace the critical mineral.

Teck is North America’s biggest producer of germanium, a critical mineral and one of the integral elements required for digital devices and communications.

Teck says the pilot is in support of its sustainability strategy goal to develop a product passport, providing traceability into the raw materials supply chain.

Through the pilot, germanium will be traced from its origin at the Red Dog mine, in north-west Alaska, through transport and comingling with other sources, refining at Teck’s Trail metallurgical facility and finally to a manufacturer of fibre optic cable.

Blockchain technology will be used to embed data including information on responsible environmental, social and governance practices along the supply chain.