Ann: Kwinana Supply Agreement, page-28

A couple of paragraphs from yesterday's announcement stood out to me but I didn't say anything because I wanted to go off an do a little bit of research first. The two paragraphs are below:

Reflecting the importance EcoGraf places on sustainable supply chains, TECHNOGRAFIT is certified under international standard ISO 14001 for effective environmental management systems and practices. ​

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TECHNOGRAFIT will supply graphite concentrate feedstock from a range of pre-qualified sources for the phased EcoGraf spherical graphite development in accordance with specifications notified by EcoGraf.​

@cartex mentioned the importance of ISO certification in a previous post. Turns out our new MoU partner, TECHNOGRAFIT, is certified under ISO 14001 √.

The next time I speak with AS or email him I will ask whether EcoGraf SpG will require ISO certification as well (given Cartex also mentioned ISO 9001). The good news is it looks like this is something that has not been overlooked by EGR management either.

The second paragraph that I posted above (from yesterday's announcement) was a little more curious. I find it interesting that "a range of pre-qualified sources" is required. My presumption here is that a range of sources is required to reduce supply risk -- but perhaps there is a bit more to it -- perhaps the "pre-qualified-sources" has more to do with traceability of materials right up the supply chain. Every month it seems another automaker joins the Responsible Sourcing Blockchain Network (RSBN) --- Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen, BMW, Groupe PSA, Fiat-Chrysler and Volvo have all joined RSBN, and there seems to be a growing consensus that the rest of the industry will follow.

Has anyone spoken with AS about RSBN and whether this is something that our customers have indicated will be a requirement?