As with most electronic products, Lascar’s contain various metals, including tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold, (so-called ‘3TG’) which originate from around the world. The 3TG metals have become known as ‘conflict minerals’ because they are sourced in part from the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where a long civil war is continuing.
For many years, armed groups have fought to control mines within the DRC. These groups have been cited for committing violent crimes against locals, including murder, rape and forced labor. Armed groups controlling mines smuggle minerals out of the DRC and the proceeds are used to further finance conflict and perpetuate criminal acts.
Lascar supports the goals and objectives of Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which aims to prevent the use of conflict minerals that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the DRC or adjoining countries.
We do not knowingly procure components containing specified metals that originate from facilities in the “Conflict Region” that are not certified as “conflict-free”. To this end, suppliers will be required to declare that all products supplied either:
- Do not contain tantalum, tin, tungsten or gold that are necessary to their production or functionality, or,
- If they do contain these minerals, they originate from non-conflict areas or from smelters that have been validated by an independent private sector party to be conflict-free.
Lascar will evaluate its relationships with its suppliers on an ongoing basis to ensure continued compliance with this policy. Lascar reserves the right to request additional documentation from its suppliers regarding the source of any conflict minerals included in its products.
In addition, suppliers must maintain and provide to Lascar upon request traceability data. If we discover the use of these minerals produced in facilities that are considered to be “non-conflict free”, in any material, parts or components we procure, we will take appropriate actions to transition product to be “conflict free”.
