Achieving Sustainability in Complex Multi-Tier Supply Chains: The Role of Supply Chain Visibility and Transparency in Responsible Sourcing of Critical Minerals

Abstract: There is growing pressure from stakeholders on global corporations to ensure the sustainability of their products throughout the supply chain. At the same time, due to the high complexity and dynamism of supply chains, companies often do not know what actors operate in their supply chains beyond direct suppliers. Supply chain visibility (SCV) and transparency (SCT) are crucial for ensuring responsible sourcing practices. However, achieving SCV and SCT poses challenges due to systemic issues in supply chains. This pressure is particularly high for mineral supply chains that are known for issues linked to the environment and human rights. At the same time, these supply chains are inherently complex and dynamic, leading to a lack of visibility for companies regarding the actors involved. This study highlights the challenges and current practices in attaining SCV and SCT in minerals supply chains, as well as the potential solutions and emerging technologies that can drive their development. The present study employs two theoretical frameworks to analyze the process of achieving visibility and transparency in multi-tier supply chains: multi-tier supply chain (MTSC) theory and complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory. These frameworks are a particularly suitable lens for this analysis because they acknowledge and explain the complexity, dynamics, and multiple tiers found in mineral supply chains. The research utilizes a qualitative study approach, gathering empirical data through participant observation, 7 semi-structured expert interviews, and analyzing 62 practitioner documents (reports, articles, websites, webinars) using qualitative content analysis in NVivo. This study includes perspectives of actors from different parts of supply chains from upstream to downstream, as well as technology providers. The results emphasize the importance of a systematic approach to SSCM and the need for new approaches and digital technologies to enhance SCV and SCT and enable data collection from complex, dynamic supply chain systems.