Conflict-Free Tin Initiative officially started as first bags of Conflict-Free Tin leave a Congolese mine

 

Cranston, Rhode Island December 18, 2012 - AIM Solder, who is partnered with the Conflict-Free Tin Initiative, is very pleased to announce that the first flow of tin through a controlled supply chain has left a mine from the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The minerals from DRC mines have been shunned due to trade restrictions but the Initiative was formed to ensure a conflict-free supply of tin, and soon other materials, from the region. The Initiative accomplished this by creating a tracking system across a controlled supply chain which provides a way for companies worldwide to purchase conflict-free materials from the Eastern DRC. This will lead to better mining methods, economic development, and regional stability.
 
The mine has been validated as conflict-free by a multi-stakeholder team including officials of the DRC Government, the United Nations, the German Geological Service, and PACT. Along with AIM Solder, other industry partners include Philips Electronics, Motorola Solutions, and Fairphone. The Netherlands Government brought numerous partners along the supply chain together, from the mine to the end user, and was able to gain support from local exporters and mining cooperatives to create this pilot program. Support is also provided by the United States and South African governments.
 
 
“AIM is proud to be part of the Conflict-Free Tin Initiative program and we invite other component suppliers and manufacturers to participate in this global cause.” said David Suraski, Executive Vice President, Assembly Materials Division. “Along with uplifting the people of the region and the Initiative will ensure a degree of transparency in electronic devices for consumers.”
For more information about AIM Metals and Alloys and their commitment to environmental and social responsibility regarding its solder products visit http://www.aimsolder.com. For more information about the Conflict-Free Tin Initiative and to follow its project timeline visit http://solutions-network.org/site-cfti/