Tracking cobalt from Congo to Tesla
ReSource is an innovative traceability solution that can track and trace battery metals like cobalt from its mining origin to its specific EV battery, allowing for supply chain collaboration on sustainability. Its hardware and software is implemented across 4 continents.
My role
Chief ProductSystem designer
Innovation lead
My contribution
Context researchConcept design
System design
Design direction
Implementation design
Batteries are key to a greener future, but sourcing battery metals ethically and sustainably is a huge supply chain challenge.
We built a unique solution that allowed physical tracking of units of metal (transported in bags), using barcodes and RFID labels.
The hard- and software was implemented at various mining, refining, and battery producing sites, including Tesla Gigafactory.
The platform gives downstream supply chain participants easy to use insights into the metal traceability.
Based on traceability data, the platform provides actionable insights into upstream reported ESG parameters.
The supply chain visualisation gives downstream companies the insights needed to improve collaboration.
ReSource was implemented across sites globally, which also meant field trips to Belgium.
The project context
As electric vehicles are pivotal in our shift to a sustainable future, the need for battery metals increases. Mining issues and opaque supply chains raise concerns about sourcing these metals sustainably. Faced with impending regulations and the need for transparency, the world's leading mining corporations and battery producers collaborated with us in ReSource: a metal traceability solution that provides actionable insights on supply chain sustainability.
The process and results
Following a lean startup approach we built a unique tracking solution in close collaboration with the ReSource consortium, that included companies like Glencore and Tesla. Through a series of concept designs and on-site pilots we eventually implemented a fully working hard-software solution with decentralised control throughout the Tesla supply chain. The platform was able to track units of cobalt between and within production sites from the mine all the way to the battery. The platform allowed for insights into GHG emissions and other sustainability aspects.
The product
A digital ecosystem that tracks and traces material through tags, readers, scan apps, and a digital mass balance application, combined with a dashboard app that shows track & trace and sustainability insights, powered by a decentralised data-sharing platform for supply chain members.
Why I liked this project
This project allowed me to take the lead in building a truly innovative product for a very complex industrial context using cutting-edge technology. We redefined industry standards and contributed to a more ethical and environmentally friendly future.