ESG Alert Methodology
How we assess and rate environmental, social, and governance risk events
Independent assessment notice: The risk levels assigned to these events represent Reetracker's independent analytical assessment. Our ratings are qualitative in nature and based on a synthesis of publicly available reports, satellite data, and NGO disclosures. These do not constitute a formal audit or financial advice.
Overview
Reetracker monitors and rates ESG-related events affecting rare earth mining projects, processing facilities, and supply chains worldwide. Each alert is independently assessed across three pillars - Environmental (E), Social (S), and Governance (G) - and assigned a severity level based on the nature and magnitude of the event.
Our methodology draws on publicly available information including regulatory filings, satellite imagery, government reports, NGO disclosures, and credible news sources. We do not rely on company self-reporting alone.
ESG Pillars
E - Environmental
Covers events with direct or indirect environmental consequences, including but not limited to: tailings dam incidents, water contamination, deforestation, biodiversity impacts, greenhouse gas emissions violations, and breaches of environmental permits or regulations.
S - Social
Covers events affecting communities, workers, or indigenous groups, including: labour disputes, community protests, forced displacement, health and safety incidents, human rights concerns, and failures to obtain or maintain free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).
G - Governance
Covers events related to corporate conduct and oversight, including: corruption allegations, regulatory non-compliance, permit revocations, sanctions, executive misconduct, opaque ownership structures, and failures of board-level accountability.
Severity Scale
Each pillar is assessed independently and assigned one of four severity levels, or marked as not applicable (N/A) where the event does not engage that pillar.
| Level | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Minor or localised impact; limited disruption; quickly remediated | Minor permit conditions breach; isolated worker complaint; minor fine |
| Medium | Measurable impact; requires formal response; may affect operations | Community protest; regulatory investigation; reportable environmental incident |
| High | Significant impact; operational or legal consequences; reputational risk | Production suspension; serious injury; major water contamination; government enforcement action |
| Critical | Severe, widespread, or irreversible impact; potential existential risk to operations or supply chain | Fatalities; tailings failure; permit cancellation; sanctions; criminal charges |
Overall Severity
The overall severity displayed on each alert reflects the highest severity level assigned across all applicable pillars. An event rated High on the Environmental pillar and Low on the Social pillar will carry an overall severity of High.
Data Sources
Ratings are derived from a synthesis of the following sources:
- Regulatory filings (ASX, SEC, and other exchanges)
- Government enforcement records and permit databases
- Satellite imagery and remote sensing analysis
- NGO reports and independent audit disclosures
- Credible news sources and investigative journalism
- Court records and legal proceedings
- Community and civil society submissions
Limitations
Our assessments are based solely on publicly available information. Ratings reflect the state of evidence at the time of publication and may not capture all relevant facts. We update alerts as new information emerges, but cannot guarantee real-time accuracy. Reetracker's ESG ratings are not a substitute for due diligence, professional advice, or formal third-party audits.
For more information about our broader data methodology, see the Data Methodology page.