According to Apple, 12 smelting and refining companies would no longer be working with the company in 2021 because of worries about their mining operations in war zones.
Apple has told the SEC that it has performed a “conflict minerals audit,” as it did in both 2020 and 2019. There were 12 suppliers that did not participate in the audit, according to the firm, and they were removed from the supply chain.
3TG (tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold) audits were conducted by an independent 3TG auditing firm. Apple only mentions the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) while claiming to utilise mining “responsibly” internationally.
An impartial third-party conflict minerals audit for 3TG was conducted by every identifiable smelter and refiner in Apple’s supply chain for all eligible Apple goods made during calendar year 2021, according to Apple’s SEC filing.
A standard for responsible sourcing of materials has been established by Apple as part of its Supplier Code of Conduct, which can be found here “It is a requirement of Apple that its supply chain suppliers identify and assess a wide range of risks beyond conflict, such as environmental, human rights, and social risks..”
They must engage in 3TG traceability and third party audit programmes as a condition of their participation in this programme.”
There have been 163 3TG refiners and smelters removed from the supply chain since 2009, according to the document, which includes 9 tantalum, 50 tin, 19 tungsten, and 85 gold refineries. There were 12 smelters and refiners that were dropped from our supply chain in 2021 because they refused or couldn’t complete a third party audit, among other requirements for responsible sourcing of minerals, according to a company statement.
With its efforts to avoid using minerals produced in conflict zones or where mining proceeds support war, Apple is cautious not to promise absolute assurance.
It has been calculated that as of December 31, 2021, there would be 253 3TG smelters and refiners in Apple’s supply chain “According to our findings, no such smelter or refiner obtained 3TG that sponsored or benefitted armed organisations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or a neighbouring nation.