IBM® is committed to achieving an ethical, responsible, and sustainable supply chain. We do business with companies that operate in a manner consistent with IBM’s values and responsible sourcing commitments. As part of this commitment, IBM requires its suppliers to manage, monitor, and report their social objectives. To achieve these objectives, we focus on:
- Conducting due diligence and improving supply chain traceability for minerals used in IBM products, including tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold (collectively referred to as 3TG), as well as cobalt, mica, copper, natural graphite, lithium, and nickel;
- Collaborating with suppliers, industry groups, and stakeholders worldwide to optimize the Responsible Minerals supply chain and evolve practices;
- Ensuring minerals used in IBM’s supply chain are sourced from conformant or active smelters or refiners that have been assessed by one of the accredited schemes: LBMA, RJC, RMAP, or TI-CMC; or are 100% recycled processors;
- Implementing robust policies and industry best practices across IBM’s supply chain to support responsible minerals sourcing.
IBM’s Responsible Minerals policy addresses the parameters defined in the US Dodd Frank Financial Reform Act of 2010 (section 1502).
IBM’s Responsible Minerals policy is anchored in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs).
Additionally, the IBM policy is conformant with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct, section D7, Responsible Sourcing of Minerals.
- IBM requires its suppliers to ensure that the minerals used in their products do not directly or indirectly finance armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), neighbouring countries, or other Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs).
- Suppliers are to ensure minerals used in IBM’s supply chain are sourced from conformant or active smelters or refiners that have been assessed by one of the accredited schemes: LBMA, RJC, RMAP, or TI-CMC; or are 100 percent recycled processors.
- IBM’s Responsible Minerals Policy is applicable to the following minerals (from a reporting perspective): tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold (collectively referred to as 3TG), cobalt, mica, copper, natural graphite, lithium, and nickel.
