What are conflict minerals?

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, the export of mineral resources is an important source of national revenue, and there are many workers engaged in extraction of mineral resources. However, these areas are in a constant state of conflict, and atrocities committed by armed forces are a major problem. Minerals that are extracted in areas of conflict such as these are a major source of income for armed groups, which makes global regulations necessary. The U.S. Dodd-Frank Act was passed in July 2010 and places regulations on four minerals: tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold.

Shibaura Electronics Group Responsible Minerals Procurement Policy

A part of minerals mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries becomes a source of funding for armed groups, and also provokes serious social problems, especially such as human rights abuses, environmental destruction.
We do not procure minerals which directly or indirectly benefit these armed groups.

In cooperation with our customers and suppliers, we check the all related minerals contained in our products through the supply chain in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance, and initiate a conduction of Due Diligence on the countries of origin and distribution process of minerals.

* Due Diligence: A duty of care and an effort that must be taken by a person before the act.