Intel Ridding its Supply Chain of Conflict Minerals
Ensuring an ethical supply chain has become a critical priority for businesses across all industries.
Companies are increasingly recognising that their responsibilities extend beyond their immediate operations to encompass the practices of their suppliers and partners.
In today's world, where consumers and investors are increasingly scrutinising corporate behaviour, having a transparent and responsible supply chain is no longer optional — it's a business imperative
Investing in an ethical supply chain can yield long-term benefits for businesses. These include enhanced brand reputation, improved risk management and increased customer loyalty.
This is especially true of businesses whose products rely on so-called ‘conflict minerals’
The term ‘conflict minerals’ typically refers to four specific metals: tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, known collectively as 3TG.
These minerals are essential components in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and construction. Tin is used in solders and alloys, tantalum in capacitors, tungsten in cutting tools, and gold in electronics and jewellery.
Intel battling against conflict minerals
The mining of conflict minerals often involves severe environmental, social, and governance (ESG) transgressions. These include forced labour, child labour, and dangerous working conditions.
Environmental damage is common, with unregulated mining leading to deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation. The profits from these mines frequently fund armed groups, perpetuating cycles of violence and instability.
One company taking steps to rid its supply chains of conflict minerals is Intel.
Intel first began to work towards responsibly sourced conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and adjoining countries about 12 years ago.
The company says that, since then, “we have expanded our efforts to also address cobalt as well broader human rights issues and geographies in our supply chain”.
It adds: “We are proud of the significant progress we have made as a company and as an industry but know there is more work to be done.”
Intel RISE strategy
It points to a key technology initiative in its 2030 RISE strategy, which is aimed at “significantly expanding its impact in responsible minerals and accelerating the creation of new sourcing standards”.
RISE is Intel's corporate responsibility framework that aims to create a more sustainable, inclusive and responsible world.
In 2021, it sent its first expanded minerals survey for aluminium, copper, nickel and silver to suppliers who contribute these materials to our Intel manufactured microprocessors.
This, it says, was, “was an important step in our RISE strategy as we began mapping our supply chains for our highest priority minerals”.
It also says that to contribute to standards – and help define and engage in due diligence within the copper supply chain – it is an active partner member of The Copper Mark, the leading assurance framework to promote responsible practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains.
Intel partnering with industry bodies
Intel adds: “We continue to partner with industry associations to ensure standards are in place to enable our ultimate goal of responsible sourcing for all the minerals in our supply chain. We will continue to identify the highest priority minerals in pursuit of our 2030 RISE Goals.
“Our mission is to maintain the positive progress we’ve made to date on 3TG2 and cobalt, and to address risks as they emerge from the expanding scope of minerals 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.”
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