Apple says it has removed 12 smelters and refiners from its supply chain in 2021 as part of its commitment to ensure 100% responsible mineral sourcing and compliance with the US Conflict Minerals Act.

A new Apple SEC filing states that “Apple does not directly purchase or source primary source minerals from mine sites. We are, however, committed to meeting and exceeding internationally accepted standards of due diligence for supply chains of primary minerals and recycled materials. We also aim to one day use only recycled and renewable minerals and materials in our products and packaging, and we are committed to achieving carbon neutrality for the our entire footprint by 2030, from our supply chain to the use of the products we make.

Apple reports that as of December 31, 2021, all of its identified smelters and refiners in its supply chain participated in an independent third-party conflict mineral audit for tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. (3TG) To that end, Apple says it removed 12 vendors from its chain last year because they were unwilling to participate in such an audit or because they failed to meet its sourcing requirements. responsible for minerals. Apple says all 253 vendors in its channel have met its requirements and it has now removed 163 of those vendors since 2009.

The report is required under US law relating to “conflict minerals,” defined as natural resources mined in areas of armed conflict and traded illicitly for the benefit of fighting groups or to fund fighting. The issue affects the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular, but the legislation applies to minerals wherever they are extracted. Apple says that during the pandemic it has continued its “responsible sourcing activities” and supported communities with resources and educational tools to help prevent COVID-19. He further stated:

As we work to strengthen industry-wide due diligence programs operating in areas where 3TG minerals originate, we engage and support a wide range of multi-stakeholder and community initiatives, including the support to human rights and environmental organizations as well as whistleblowing initiatives to empower independent local voices to raise issues and report mining incidents. Feedback from these stakeholders contributes to our robust due diligence program and drives industry-wide progress. We believe that all stakeholders (including governments, civil society and industry) should redouble their efforts to implement comprehensive due diligence programs, measure impact and work with and support local communities. to improve conditions and stimulate economic and social development in the mining sector. regions, including the African Great Lakes region.

The aforementioned mineral is used by Apple in every product category it sells, including its top iPhones like iPhone 13, Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats , HomePod, iPod, some accessories and even the Apple Card.