Responsible minerals programme
The company checks the smelters that supply its tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold or cobalt.
- Supportive: it improves the score but isn't proof on its own
What it is
Responsible minerals programmes, such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative, audit the smelters and refiners that process metals used in electronics and jewellery, to reduce the risk of conflict financing and forced or child labour in mining.
What it checks
- Smelters and refiners are independently audited
- Reduced risk of minerals that fund armed conflict
What it doesn't
- Tracing usually stops at the smelter, not the mine, so child labour in mining can still be missed
Brands with Responsible minerals programme
FairphoneElectronics · Modular, repairable smartphones and earbudsAlmost goodPartly verifiedASUSFailing independent ratings · Electronics · Laptops, monitors and PC componentsPoorPartly verifiedSonyForced or child labour reports · Electronics · TVs, headphones, cameras and consolesPoorPartly verifiedAppleForced or child labour reports · Electronics · Phones, laptops, tablets and wearablesPoorPartly verifiedSamsungDocumented worker abuse · Electronics · Phones, TVs and home appliancesPoorPartly verified