The extraction of rare metals such as cassiterite, coltan, wolframite, and gold in the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding regions has caused severe human rights and environmental issues:
To respond to international human rights developments and fulfill corporate social responsibility, ESMT commits to:
- Comply with the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct (RBA CoC) and conduct Due Diligence according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidelines for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (OECD Guidance) to ensure that the products provided by subcontractors and suppliers do not directly or indirectly benefit armed groups that violate human rights.
- Require subcontractors and suppliers to disclose information about the Gold (Au), Tin (Sn), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W), and Cobalt (Co) contained in the products they provide and conduct supply chain due diligence according to the OECD Guidance.
- Commit and require subcontractors to source only from smelters or refiners that have been audited by a third-party.
- Not prohibit conflict-free minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo or neighboring countries that are mined in accordance with human rights.
