Saying no to conflict minerals

To help ensure the sourcing of responsible minerals and manage risks throughout the supply chain, Samsung has implemented the G-SRM System. The system helps promote awareness of the importance of responsible minerals throughout the global supply chain and enables partners to carry out inspections for the use of conflict-affected and high-risk minerals as well as preventive measures against anticipated risks. Materials or parts that do not meet the G-SRM System standards are restricted from being purchased, preventing minerals not responsibly sourced from entering the supply chain.

Samsung only uses minerals from smelters certified by the RMAP, a third-party responsible-mineral-sourcing program validated by the Responsible Business Association (RBA). As a result, minerals illegally mined in conflict-affected and high-risk areas, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are not used in Samsung products. In addition, we have a strict policy that minerals from the waste generated from sites in Korea are to be treated only at smelters that have received RMAP certifications.

Samsung is also striving to achieve a circular economy for minerals. We strengthened our waste management policy so minerals from waste and waste electronics are sent only to RMAP-certified smelters. To promote this practice, we are working with the Korea Urban Mining Association to encourage smelters in Korea to obtain RMAP certification.