Apple is a leader in using conflict-free minerals

In a recent report from the Enough Project, Apple has been ranked the world leader in making significant progress in sourcing what are defined as “conflict-free” minerals from Congo.

The rankings are comprised of consumer electronics companies and jewelry retailers.

The two industry sectors were chosen deliberately: these are the industries which tend to consume a significant amount of tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold—minerals with a history of being associated with continued conflict and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Some of the world’s top companies use them and are now in a position to implement changes.

“In tandem with a range of legal and policy interventions, and fueled by sustained consumer demand, companies across industries can continue to use their leverage and resources to incentivize transparency and accountability in the Congolese mining sector and international minerals supply chains,” reads the report.

Twenty of the largest companies by market capitalization in the two aforementioned industries were evaluated by The Enough Project according to four criteria categories:

  • Conducting conflict minerals sourcing and reporting
  • Conflict-free minerals advocacy
  • Supporting and improving livelihoods for artisanal mining communities in Eastern Congo
  • Developing a conflict-free minerals trade and sourcing conflict-free minerals from Congo, particularly gold

The 2017 rankings are listed below.

Best

  1. Apple
  2. Alphabet
  3. HP
  4. Microsoft
  5. Intel
  6. Signet
  7. Tiffany & Co.
  8. Panasonic
  9. IBM
  10. Sony
  11. JCPenny
  12. Target
  13. Macy’s
  14. Samsung
  15. Toshiba
  16. Costco Wholesale
  17. Helzberg Diamonds
  18. Sears
  19. Walmart
  20. Neiman Marcus

The report praises the Cupertino technology giant for being continually committed to sourcing its materials from mines that positively affect local communities in Congo.

Apple’s head of environmental initiatives Lisa Jackson said yesterday they’re “working like gangbusters” to make devices 100% from recycled materials like aluminum, copper, tin and tungsten. In April, Apple set itself an unprecedented goal to “stop mining the earth altogether.”