BSR Insight Articles About Conflict Minerals

Reflections From the BSR Conference 2011: We Have the Will—and the Power—to Act

Kara Hurst, Former Vice President

In his opening address at the BSR Conference 2011, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore talked about the “functional insanity” of CEOs and CFOs who choose short-term gains over long-term sustainability. He referenced a study in which these leaders were asked what they would do if they were given a chance to make an investment that would increase their company’s profitability and sustainability—with the catch being that they would miss their quarterly targets. Eighty percent said they would not make the investment.   Read more →

Posted: November 7, 2011 | Topics: Conflict Minerals, Consumer Products, Environment, Governance & Accountability, Health Care, Human Rights, Strategy & Integration, Supply Chain, Transportation, Travel & Tourism

Conflict Minerals Policy, Management, and Reporting for Supply Chain

Corporate executives are experiencing increased risk exposures from conflict minerals in an already challenging and rapidly changing international business environment. Pending regulation that requires companies using minerals originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining countries to report on their due diligence measures regarding the source and chain of custody of those minerals is one evolving aspect of managing risks within supply chains. Read more →

Posted: July 12, 2011 | Topics: Conflict Minerals, Reporting & Communications, Supply Chain

Conflict Minerals Due Diligence: What Can Companies Expect?

Sasha Radovich, Former Manager, Advisory Services

In February, Apple was the first company to disclose how many of its suppliers use “conflict minerals,” or tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold that may be sourced from and contribute to armed conflict in the regions around the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Apple also reported how many smelters originally processed the minerals, indicating its ability to trace them in its supply chain. Apple, along with other companies, including HP, Dell, and Intel, have announced strict policies to eliminate minerals that are not certified as “conflict free” from their supply chains. Read more →

Posted: July 5, 2011 | Topics: Conflict Minerals, Human Rights, Supply Chain

Explore Our Impact: Videos

Take a deeper dive into the BSR Report 2010 and core areas of our work in video clips that provide personal perspective from BSR staff members. Read more →

Posted: June 7, 2011 | Topics: Community Engagement & Development, Conflict Minerals, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Energy, Investor Perspective, Mining, Strategy & Integration, Supply Chain

Creating a Supply Chain Strategy for Conflict Minerals

Marshall Chase, Associate Director, Advisory Services

In this video, learn about the steps company leaders should take—from visioning and internal alignment through supply chain mapping and external engagement—to address conflict minerals in their supply chains. Read more →

Posted: May 24, 2011 | Topics: Conflict Minerals, Supply Chain