Responsible Mineral Sourcing Initiatives

Certain minerals (such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold) originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the surrounding conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs) *1 have been associated with serious human rights violations and environmental destruction. These minerals have become an international concern known as “conflict minerals” as they may also serve as a source of funding for armed groups. As a company operating in the electronic components industry, which relies on a wide range of mineral-based raw materials, we recognize our responsibility as part of the global supply chain. In collaboration with our stakeholders, we are committed to addressing these issues based on the following policy.

Responsible Mineral Sourcing Policy

  1. We support the principles of the “OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas” and we promote responsible mineral sourcing in accordance with the Suzuki Code of Conduct.
  2. We work to ensure the traceability of minerals used in our products and strive to select raw materials with lower risk, thereby promoting responsible sourcing.
  3. We actively collaborate with industry associations and conduct due diligence in an effective and efficient manner based on industry standards.
  4. We share information concerning minerals obtained through our supply chain with our suppliers in a timely manner, to the extent possible.

Governance and Management Framework

As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR), we conduct investigations and disclosures in accordance with industry standards, based on our Responsible Mineral Sourcing Policy. Within our organization, the Quality Assurance Department is responsible for managing activities related to responsible mineral sourcing, including monitoring progress and addressing challenges. Relevant information is regularly reported to and shared with top management. 

Initiatives

To promote responsible mineral sourcing, we have established a policy and structured a management system to identify and manage risks listed in OECD※2 Annex II※3 associated with minerals used in our products originating from CAHRAs※1.
We conduct supply chain surveys in alignment with the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP)※4 to identify smelters and refiners within our supply chain.
Furthermore, we respond to over 50 customer requests annually for supply chain information and submit reports using the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT)※6  and the Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT)※7  issued by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)※5 .

*1 Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs)
*2 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
*3 Risks of adverse impacts as defined in Annex II of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, which may arise from the extraction, transport, trade, handling, and export of minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, including:
- Human rights abuses, including child labor, associated with the extraction, transport, or trade of minerals
- Direct or indirect support to non-state armed groups
- Misconduct by public or private security forces (protection money)
- Bribery and fraudulent misrepresentation of mineral origin
- Money laundering
- Non-payment of taxes, fees, and mining royalties to governments (tax evasion)
*4 Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP)
*5 Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), an international industry association
*6 Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT): A standardized template used for supplier surveys to ensure responsible mineral sourcing, covering the 3TG metals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold)
*7 Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT): An expanded version of the CMRT covering minerals beyond 3TG