Mining the Disclosures 2015
An Investor Guide to Conflict Minerals Reporting in Year 2
RSN’s Mining the Disclosures 2015 is a deep analysis of corporate due diligence procedures that identify and address conflict minerals’ risks, human rights performance, and in-region impact. In addition to identifying leading practices, this report ranks the 155 largest market cap corporations among their peers so investors can see which companies need to improve their practices to create change. Because of Section 1502, more companies are recognizing that the human rights of miners and local families cannot be separated from the use of these minerals.
Conflict in eastern DRC continues to devastate vulnerable communities. Fortunately, awareness, transparency, and collaboration are increasing as a result of Section 1502. To achieve a peaceful and prosperous minerals trade in the DRC and neighboring countries, leadership must expand beyond a small group of highly committed companies to become the norm.
Report Findings
In a sample group of 155 large cap companies, only a handful of companies are close to sourcing 100% conflict-free tantalum from the DRC region. Intel is applauded as the sole company with a conflict-free product line. Other companies with relatively impressive scores according to RSN’s methodology include: Phillips, EMC, and QUALCOMM. All companies are rank highly among their peers.
Traceability is currently a higher priority than just meeting a conflict-free determination, which could include cutting off all trade from the DRC region. Amongst industries in general, the IT sector came out on top while the Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, and Oil & Gas industries placed last. There were several split industries, which had both leading and lagging performers, such as Industrial Conglomerates, Automobiles, and Energy Equipment.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (SRZ)
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (SRZ) has a leading conflict minerals compliance and responsible sourcing practice, among other things, advising public and private companies and trade associations on the application of the U.S. Conflict Minerals Rule, the OECD framework and other conflict minerals legislation and initiatives. For more information concerning our practice, please contact Michael R. Littenberg. For more information, visit www.srz.com.
Tungsten Sponsors
Source Intelligence® (SI)
Source Intelligence® (SI) is a global network of businesses that expedites the exchange and validation of compliance information. SI’s cloud-based SaaS platform helps customers make informed decisions about suppliers to offer products meeting legal, ethical, and environmental standards. The information and analytics platform provides customers with visibility into supply chains to comply with the law, minimize risk, and improve efficiency. Founded in 2010 by environmental and analytics experts, Source Intelligence® is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, visit www.sourceintelligence.com.
Tin Sponsors
Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative
Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) has grown into one of the most utilized and respected resources for over 200 companies from a range of industries addressing conflict minerals issues in their supply chains. We offer a Conflict-Free Smelter Program, Conflict Minerals Reporting Template, Due Diligence Guidance, and Stakeholder engagement. We envision a future in which businesses can contribute positively to the fostering of peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. For more information, visit www.conflictfreesourcing.org.
iPoint
iPoint is a leading provider of software and consulting for environmental and social product compliance, and sustainability. Thousands of companies around the globe rely on iPoint for managing, tracking, analyzing, and reporting data across the whole value creation network. iPoint’s software and consulting services support you in meeting and staying one step ahead of regulations and requirements such as REACH, RoHS, WEEE, ELV, Conflict Minerals, and other trending developments in the compliance and sustainability arena. For more information, visit ipoint-systems.com.
Suppliersoft
SupplierSoft is a market leader in supplier management Solutions, enabling manufacturing companies to automate any and all supplier-facing business processes. Its Conflict Minerals solution has been adopted by leading edge Fortune 100/CFSI member companies. The solution provides unsurpassed configurability, requires zero supplier training and is implementable in days. SupplierSoft offers turn-key services, enabling you to fully outsource compliance. SupplierSoft was recognized as one of the most innovative solutions built on top of the Salesforce.com platform. For more information, visit www.suppliersoft.com.
Sustainalytics
Sustainalytics is an independent ESG and corporate governance research, ratings, and analysis firm supporting investors around the world with the development and implementation of responsible investment strategies. Sustainalytics partners with institutional investors globally who integrate environmental, social, and governance information and assessments into their investment processes. The firm has 230 staff members, including more than 120 analysts with varied multidisciplinary expertise across more than 40 sectors. For more information, visit www.sustainalytics.com.
As You Sow
As You Sow is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing environmental and social corporate responsibility. Founded in 1992, As You Sow envisions a safe, just, and sustainable world in which environmental health and human rights are central to corporate decision making. Its Energy, Environmental Health, Waste, and Human Rights programs create positive, industry-wide change through corporate dialogue, shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies. For more information, visit www.asyousow.org.