Apple’s latest Conflict Minerals Report reveals that it removed five mineral smelters and refiners for failing to meet the company’s human rights standards.
The company said that all of the remaining 253 companies in its supply chain passed its third-party audit process, which aims to ensure that there is no financial benefit to those engaged in armed conflict.
The statements are made in Apple’s latest Conflict Minerals Report, filed with the SEC.
Of the 253 smelters and refiners of 3TG determined to be in Apple’s supply chain as of December 31, 2018, Apple found no reasonable basis for concluding that any such smelter or refiner sourced 3TG that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups.
The company says that the steps it takes go well beyond its legal obligations.
In addition to the Conflict Minerals Report, Apple publishes an annual Supplier Responsibility Report covering all the standards it expects companies in its supply chain to report, alongside an Environmental Responsibility Report, which also now includes actions taken by major suppliers.
