Our Choices Can Impact the Lives of Millions
Like many companies in the electronics industry, Intel and our suppliers use minerals in manufacturing. We began our work more than a decade ago to ensure that our supply chain does not source certain minerals—in particular, tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold (3TG)—within the Covered Countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or adjoining countries) from mines under the control of armed groups who exploit mine workers to fund crimes against humanity.
More recently, we have expanded our efforts to pursue responsible sourcing of all minerals used in our products, regardless of country of origin.
Responsible Minerals Sourcing
Intel is committed to the responsible sourcing of minerals – sourcing done in an ethical and sustainable manner that safeguards the human rights of everyone in our global supply chain. In 2018, we began the process of expanding our program to include a policy and due diligence program that extends beyond the scope of conflict minerals from the Covered Countries and also comprehends additional human rights abuses outlined in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (OECD Guidance).
Intel’s mission for the future is to maintain the positive progress we’ve made to date on 3TG and cobalt and to address risks as they emerge from the expanding scope of materials and geographies. We will continue to advance responsible sourcing across our product lines and materials as our business and the world landscape continues to evolve.
What Are Conflict Minerals?
What Are Conflict Minerals?
Tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold are referred to as conflict minerals.1 They are integral to the technology and other things we rely on every day: from laptops, phones, and tablets to cars, airplanes, lighting, and jewelry. Militias and rebel groups in eastern Congo, funded by the sale of these minerals, have killed over 5 million people since 1998.
Since conducting our first supply chain survey in 2009, Intel has consistently engaged our direct suppliers on the conflict minerals issue. Our annual supply chain survey requests suppliers to identify the smelters and refiners and countries of origin of the tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold in products they supply to us using the RMI’s Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT).
Our annual conflict minerals disclosure filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) contains additional information regarding our 3TG due diligence practices.
Proud of Our Progress
We are proud of the significant progress we have made in addressing the issue of conflict minerals in our supply chain, and the positive impacts our efforts have brought to people who live and work in the DRC and surrounding region.
Improved Livelihood for Workers
Knowing where the minerals are sourced from, companies can ensure they are using resources responsibly and miners can earn a fair wage to support their families.
Created Opportunities and Safety for Families
Intel is creating a responsible supply chain to ensure minerals that finance violence don't end up in the devices we use every day. We're committed to sourcing minerals responsibly, which means greater economic opportunities and safety for miners and their families. Now through third-party audits and direct validations by Intel's supply chain organization, we have gone beyond just microprocessors to our broader product base.
Product and Performance Information
"Conflict minerals", as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is a broad term that means tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, regardless of whether these minerals finance conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or adjoining countries.