It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Believe in Better'
The Big Picture: Our Big ‘Why’ in the Age of AI
European Semiconductor Industry Committed to Use Responsibly Sourced Minerals
April 30, 2021 | ESIAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
At the occasion of the 14th Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA) is highlighting the industry’s commitments to source its raw materials in an ethical and sustainable manner that safeguards human rights within the global supply chain.
The European semiconductor industry has been a leading participant on the responsible sourcing of minerals. Its ambition, as a downstream purchaser of minerals, is focused on supply chain due diligence processes in order to determine that minerals in the semiconductors that the industry manufactures do not directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups. The industry remains committed to use responsibly sourced minerals in its products.
ESIA, alongside the wider semiconductor industry, has been addressing conflict minerals issue over the past decade. Through the World Semiconductor Council (WSC), a “Conflict-Free Supply Chain Policy” was agreed to support the global progress in addressing the sourcing of conflict minerals (tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold, or 3TG) from conflict zones, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries in 2013. Since 2018, the industry has broadened its policy scope beyond 3TG and DRC to responsible sourcing of minerals from “conflict-affected and high risk areas”. Due diligence activities now look at other minerals such as cobalt.
The industry’s due diligence activities are designed based on the “OECD Due Diligence Guid- ance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas”.
Semiconductor companies have played a leading role in the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals and also actively collaborate with the work of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).
Share on:
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Reflections and Priorities: An Update to I-Connect007 Readers
06/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The electronics and manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly—with new technologies, deeper global connections, and a growing drive toward sustainability. To reflect these changes and our place in this dynamic space, we’re refreshing our brand.
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.
IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell
06/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.
Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry
06/25/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationToday begins a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its role as the voice of the electronics industry. Guided by the vision of “Better electronics for a better world,” the Global Electronics Association (electronics.org) is dedicated to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting accelerated growth through engagement with more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments across the globe.