As part of ongoing efforts to cut down on the use of conflict minerals, Apple removed 18 smelters and refiners from its supply chain last year.
Apple removed companies unwilling to submit to third-party audits of their premises. By taking them out of its supply chain, Apple’s able to claim 100% audit participation on the part of companies it works with.
Apple made its disclosure to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. By law, US corporations must cut out materials sourced in conflict areas like the Democratic Republic of Congo. This pioneering law was passed by US Congress in 2010. Section 1502 of the Dodd Frank Act requires publicly listed US companies to check their supply chains for conflict minerals. They must takes steps to address this and report efforts each year to the SEC.
Tungsten, tantalum, and gold are all potential conflict minerals, used in products ranging from wedding rings to smartphones. But conflict minerals are linked to mass atrocities in the Congo. This is due to their role in financing armed groups and state military units, who have committed serious abuses including rape and abductions.
Fighting conflict minerals in the supply chain
At the close of 2019, Apple found none of the 267 smelters and refiners on its books sourced these materials. At the start of the year, it had 323 smelters and refiners that it dealt with. Two of these went out of business. A further 36 were removed due to erroneous reporting, and 18 failed to meet required standards.
The law means that Apple must help cut down on conflict minerals. Nonetheless, it’s a topic the company has been proactive on. During his time as Apple CEO, Tim Cook has continually pushed the idea that Apple has a social responsibility to act as a “force for good” in the world. That has included the push to eliminate the use of conflict minerals in products and Apple’s willingness to embrace renewable energy.
Via: Apple Insider
