Responsible Minerals Initiative Helps Companies Address Supply Chain Issues Identified in Latest Amnesty Report
Nov 14, 2017
The Amnesty International report, “Time to Recharge,” published today highlights persistent challenges for industry supply chains related to responsibly sourcing cobalt from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Those challenges include identifying, preventing and addressing human rights abuses and hazardous conditions in some cobalt mines – particularly artisanal mines. The RMI works within the framework of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and to help companies meet legal, customer and government requirements and sourcing expectations of the global community. Through its members, the RMI has been working on the responsible sourcing of cobalt as a focus area since early 2017. The RMI aims to create the enabling conditions for companies to carry out their due diligence in accordance with the OECD Guidance by providing common programs, resources and tools.
Five Practical Steps for Conflict Minerals Due Diligence and SEC Disclosure Published by CFSI
Apr 12, 2017
The Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI), a coalition of leading companies dedicated to improving the security and human rights conditions in their raw materials supply chains, today announced the publication of an updated white paper that details practical steps for companies to meet SEC conflict mineral reporting requirements and conform to OECD Guidance.
CFSI Welcomes European Union Conflict Minerals Regulation
Mar 16, 2017
The Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI), a coalition of leading companies dedicated to improving the security and human rights conditions in their raw materials supply chains, welcomes the European Union (EU) regulation on supply chain due diligence obligations for EU importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (3TG). The new regulation was approved today by the European Parliament and will next go before the European Council.
CFSI Enables Companies to Comply With New EU Conflict Minerals Legislation
May 27, 2015
The Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) today announced it stands ready to help companies navigate compliance with the pending conflict minerals legislation that was recently voted on by the European Parliament. In addition, the CFSI is adopting a risk-based approach to its audit program to bolster audits of smelters and refiners of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold worldwide.
Updated Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (4.0) Now Available
Apr 30, 2015
A new Conflict Minerals Reporting Template, version 4.0 (CMRT 4.0), is available from the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative. The leading multi-industry tool to facilitate transfer of information throughout the supply chain in support of conflict-free sourcing, CMRT 4.0 includes an updated Standard Smelter List and numerous translation improvements. CFSI recommends that companies use CMRT 3.0, 3.01 or 3.02 versions for the collection of 2014 supply chain data, and the 3.02 version of the Standard Smelter List, for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2015 where required. CMRT 4.0 is not recommended for filing 2014 supply chain data, but is designed for 2015 reporting.
Updated Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (3.02) Now Available
Nov 07, 2014
November 7, 2014, Alexandria, Virginia – A new Conflict Minerals Reporting Template version 3.02 (CMRT 3.02) was published today by the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative. The leading multi-industry tool to facilitate transfer of information throughout the supply chain in support of conflict-free sourcing, CMRT 3.02 includes a number of updates from the current version 3.01, including an updated Standard Smelter List and numerous translation improvements. CFSI recommends that companies use CMRT 3.00 version and higher for the collection of 2014 supply chain data, as well as the 3.02 version of the Standard Smelter List, for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2015 where required.
CFSI Welcomes U.S. Department of Commerce Report on Conflict Minerals Processing Facilities; Looks Forward to Future Collaboration
Sep 08, 2014
The leading industry initiative on conflict minerals, the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI), welcomes the recent report from the U.S. Department of Commerce on conflict minerals processing facilities, and looks forward to the Department of Commerce’s efforts to collaborate further with existing industry efforts on conflict minerals due diligence.
Statement on U.S. court ruling on conflict minerals regulations
Apr 17, 2014
Founded in 2008, the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative is a collaboration across industries of companies committed to conflict-free supply chains and supporting peaceful development in the Great Lakes region of Africa. The passage of the U.S. Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010 increased global awareness of conflict minerals issues, including that the use of these minerals affects many industries. The goal of the CFSI is to allow companies to make informed decisions when sourcing minerals. Monday’s court ruling invalidating one aspect of the SEC final rule does not affect the programs of the CFSI. We will continue to engage with smelters and refiners to validate their conflict status and to assist our members to collect and manage data regarding the sources of minerals in their supply chains. The CFSI will also continue to monitor legal developments and assess any impact to our programs.
Updated Conflict Minerals Reporting Template Now Available
Apr 10, 2014
A new Conflict Minerals Reporting Template version 3.0 (CMRT 3.0) was published today by the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative. The leading multi-industry tool to facilitate transfer of information throughout the supply chain in support of conflict-free sourcing, CMRT 3.0 includes a number of updates from the current version 2.03a, including harmonization with the corresponding IPC standard. CMRT 3.0 is highly recommended for the collection of 2014 supply chain data for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2015 where required.
Statement on European Commission Proposal on Conflict Minerals Regulations
Mar 06, 2014
As a leading industry initiative on conflict minerals, the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) shares and recognizes the objectives of the proposal on conflict minerals regulations released by the European Commission on March 5, 2014. We agree that companies have a responsibility to make informed choices about conflict minerals in their supply chains and that their sourcing decisions can have an impact on natural resources trade and funding of conflict.
CFSI Update in Regards to Dubai Gold Refiner Allegations
Feb 25, 2014
News reports today in the BBC, the Guardian and other outlets, along with NGO Global Witness cite claims from a former auditor that a major gold refiner trading in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) "committed serious breaches of the rules designed to stop gold mined in conflict zones from entering the global supply chain," (BBC). In relation to these allegations, the CFSI provides the following update about our activities.
Conflict-Free Sources for All Four Conflict Minerals Now Identified
Jan 30, 2014
In a landmark achievement in the fight against conflict minerals, the leading industry initiative on conflict minerals, the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI), has validated conflict-free smelters or refiners of all four conflict minerals for the first time in the initiative’s five-year history. The CFSI calls on more smelters and refiners to join the effort to become conflict-free by undergoing the CFSI’s independent, third-party conflict minerals audit.
