Apple’s Supply Chain Using Only Conflict-Free Tantalum
In February 2014, Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) announced that all of the tantalum smelters used by its suppliers are conflict-free. Trillium Asset Management commends Apple’s leadership in supporting ethical sourcing of minerals and economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring regions. In our view, Apple’s strategy to source clean minerals from the DRC is sound risk management. The company’s 2014 Supplier Responsibility Report includes a comprehensive list of the smelters and refiners whose tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold has been verified as conflict-free and which ones have not received independent verification. This information allows investors and …
Intel Announces Commitment to Conflict-Free Microprocessors
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), has announced that it is now manufacturing and shipping its first-ever conflict-free electronics product, a microprocessor. Speaking at the 2014 Consumer Electronic Show, Intel’s CEO, Brian Kranich said, “We felt an obligation to implement changes in our supply chain to ensure that our business and our products were not inadvertently funding human atrocities.” Intel, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of microprocessors, also called on others in the electronics industry to join them in a mission to create conflict-free products. The extraction and transport of “conflict minerals” – tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold – has helped rebel …
DC District Court Upholds “Conflict Minerals Disclosure” Section of the Dodd Frank Act
Susan Baker, Vice President, Shareholder Advocacy and Corporate Engagement: July 2013 On July 23rd, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled to uphold the implementing rules for Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which relates to Conflict Minerals Disclosure. The Court also dismissed a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Business Roundtable; “[f]inding no problems with the SEC’s rulemaking and disagreeing that the ‘conflict minerals’ disclosure scheme transgresses the First Amendment, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs’ claims lack merit.” Section …
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