Global Citizenship: What I’ve Learned About the American PCB Business
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
Cobalt: The Next Conflict Mineral?
December 22, 2016 | IPCEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
Two recently launched initiatives to curb “the worst forms of child labor” and other abusive practices in the supply chain for cobalt, a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, are being led by electronics companies.
Apple, HP, Samsung SDI and Sony have joined an effort known as the Responsible Cobalt Initiative, while the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC), whose members include Apple, Dell, Foxconn, and Ford Motors, has announced the new “Responsible Raw Materials Initiative.”
The Responsible Cobalt Initiative is aiming to promote cooperation with the government of the Congo. Its members have pledged to follow Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines for mining supply chains, which call for companies to trace how cobalt is being extracted, transported, manufactured and sold. Any abuses would require immediate correction. The initiative is being led by a Chinese business group, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters, and supported by the OECD.
The EICC’s “Responsible Raw Materials Initiative” aims to expand scrutiny of its members’ supply chains beyond the “conflict” minerals— tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold.
IPC will continue to monitor the issue and will provide updates as they come in.
Share on:
Suggested Items
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Patty Goldman
11/22/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In my first article of this special series, I wrote a synopsis of the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award, along with a commentary on its first few members, particularly Pritchard. Over the years, IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded this high honor and recognition. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. Over the coming months, I look forward to researching and reporting on IPC Hall of Fame members and their contributions. This month, I highlight Patty Goldman.
Winners of IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at electronica 2024 Announced
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC hosted its Hand Soldering World Championship in Munich, Germany, at electronica on 14-15 November 2024, welcoming 14 competitors from 13 companies and 12 countries worldwide. Skilled contestants competed to build an electronics assembly in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria, and were judged on the functionality of the assembly, compliance with the assembly process and overall product quality. The contestants were allowed a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the assembly.
IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem.
Enjoy the Journey: PCB Design Instructor Kris Moyer on His Sustainable Lifestyle
11/19/2024 | Michelle Te, IPC CommunityWhen I contacted IPC design instructor Kris Moyer to discuss his sustainable lifestyle, he responded to my text with a call. "I'm calling you from about 8,000 feet, sitting at the foot of Mammoth Lakes," he told me. “My friends and I are about to get in the pool for the afternoon." Kris can do this because he actually lives full-time in his travel-trailer at this campground. He's now a permanent camper, taking him anywhere the winds blow—and where there's strong internet service—so he can teach his PCB design classes, offer expert interviews, and live off the land.
IPC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a Focus on Electronics Manufacturing Excellence
11/19/2024 | IPCIPC, a leading global electronics industry association and source for industry standards, training and advocacy, is proud to announce its participation in National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled for November 17-23, 2024.