As environmental social governance (ESG) increasingly shapes the academic discourse in the European Union, Solveig Gasche provides a conceptual analysis of responsible trading in raw materials. Because the governance concept of responsible trading considers human rights and environmental standards, she defines the decisive determinants of trade in raw materials by considering the main historic, economic and regulative approaches. Illustrating and analysing the international and the German approach to implementing good guidance, strategies and governance, she further deals with the issues of conflict minerals and compliance, supply chain due diligence, corporate social responsibility, and business ethics. Corporate liability is given particular emphasis, taking into account options of contract design, transparency, and reporting as well as aspects of due diligence.