Basic Approach to the Responsible Procurement of Minerals
The DIC Group has formulated a Basic Approach to the Responsible Procurement of Minerals, recognizing the importance of procuring these critical resources in a responsible manner and engaging with suppliers to address this challenge across its supply chain.
To avoid any complicity in the funding of armed groups, or in child labor or other human rights abuses, in areas of conflict—including the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighboring countries—or high-risk areas,* the DIC Group surveys suppliers of minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold to ensure the responsible procurement thereof across its entire supply chain. Should it discover the use of minerals mined in conditions of conflict or as a result of human rights abuses, the Group will take immediate corrective actions.
- The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation defines “high-risk areas” as areas in a state of armed conflict, fragile post-conflict areas or areas with weak or nonexistent governance and security, such as failed states, all of which are characterized by widespread and systematic violations of international law, including human rights abuses.
In line with this approach, the DIC Group employs the current version of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)’s CMRT, for tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, across its supply chain. As of February 28, 2022, responses had been secured from suppliers accounting for more than 90% of such materials procured by the DIC Group in Japan. Assessments using the CMRT are ongoing. The Group also uses the RMI’s EMRT for cobalt and mica, to evaluate suppliers of these materials. Going forward, the Group will take additional steps to respond to evolving social imperatives, including further expanding the scope of supplier surveys.
