Responsible Mineral Procurement

Promotion of Responsible Mineral Procurement

Gold, tin, tantalum, tungsten, cobalt, mica, nickel, lithium, natural graphite, and copper produced in conflict-affected areas or areas where there is suspected antisocial or inhumane behavior are high-risk minerals. In accordance with basic policy, Alps Alpine works with suppliers to promote responsible mineral procurement, evaluating such minerals in line with OECD Due Diligence Guidance.

Responsible Minerals Policy

In view of our corporate social responsibility, Alps Alpine does not engage in procurement activities that encourage the use of child labor or other human rights violations, environmental destruction, unlawful or unethical conduct, or antisocial or inhumane behavior.

Activities Under the OECD’s Five Steps of Due Diligence

[Step 1]
Establish strong company management systems
  • We established a Responsible Minerals Policy and developed a framework for monitoring applicable minerals contained in our products for Annex II risks associated with conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs).
  • Our policy is made known via the company website and documented survey responses for suppliers.
  • Details of activities and challenges relating to responsible mineral procurement are shared with company leadership in quarterly Sustainability Committee meetings.
[Step 2]
Identify and assess risks in the supply chain
  • Using standard industry templates (CMRT*2/EMRT*3), we conduct annual surveys of suppliers to identify smelters and refiners in the supply chain.
  • We ask suppliers to provide information on high-risk mineral smelters and refiners and to source high-risk minerals from smelters and refiners certified as not aiding conflict or committing grave human rights violations.
  • Through surveys, we determine the content and origin of 3TG*5, cobalt, mica, nickel, lithium, natural graphite, and copper, and identify the smelters and refiners.
  • Information gathered from suppliers is evaluated by the responsible department in accordance with in-house standards.
[Step 3]
Design and implement a strategy to respond to identified risks		 If risks are identified, we notify the supplier concerned and work with the supplier to correct the situation.
[Step 4]
Carry out independent third-party audit of smelter/refiner's due diligence practices		 We engage in activity at the industry level. As a member of the Responsible Minerals Trade Working Group of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), for example, we encourage smelters and refiners to participate in the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) *4.
[Step 5]
Report annually on supply chain due diligence		 We disclose information about Alps Alpine's responsible minerals sourcing activity in our Integrated Report and on our corporate website.

FY2024 Responsible Minerals Sourcing Activity – Performance and Status

Minerals 3TG*5 Cobalt/mica
Assessment coverage All mass-produced parts and materials purchased during the period covered All mass-produced parts and materials purchased during the period covered
All suppliers from which purchases were made during the previous year(globally approx. 1,000) All suppliers from which purchases were made during the previous year(globally approx. 1,000)
Response 99.5% 92.3%
% of smelters/refiners approved as RMI conflict-free smelter/refiner 90.8% 78.3%

(As of April 2025)

In fiscal 2024, Alps Alpine conducted a survey with all suppliers from which it made purchases in the previous year on their products pertaining to the inclusion of 3TG*5, the country of origin, and the location of the smelter. In the event of identifying a smelter not certified by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)*1, the appropriate measures toward improvements will be undertaken through our discussions with the relevant suppliers.

※1 Responsible Minerals Initiative: An association of more than 300 companies and organizations worldwide that leads efforts on conflict minerals

※2 Conflict Minerals(Tin/ tantalum/ tungsten/ Gold） Reporting Template(CMRT)

※3 Extended Minerals(Cobalt/ Mica/ Lithium / Nickel/ Graphite / Copper) Reporting Template(EMRT)

※4 the Responsible Minerals Assessment Process (RMAP)

※5 3TG: Tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold