Approach to conflict minerals

The proceeds from some minerals produced in active conflict regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo are used to abet armed forces engaging in inhumane acts, or are implicated in human rights violations.

The Dodd Frank Act, ratified in July 2010 in the United States, requires American companies to disclose their usage of conflict minerals produced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries. (The act refers to “conflict minerals” as those designated by the US Secretary of State; these include Tantalum, Tin, Gold, and Tungsten.)

Seeking to meet our social responsibilities when procuring raw materials, we partner with suppliers to pursue transparency of the supply chain and promote the non-use of materials deemed conflict minerals per the Dodd Frank Act. Given that regions of conflict may also produce minerals that do not finance armed forces, we endeavor to not restrict the use of such ethical minerals.

We ask for our suppliers’ understanding of this initiative and your participation in the surveys we conduct such that we can ensure that the materials we procure are of an ethical quality.