H.C. Starck, a global manufacturer of technology metals and advanced ceramics in Munich, has received certification for processing “conflict-free” tantalum raw materials for the fifth time in a row. The corresponding audit was performed by the Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC), an independent organization, and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) as part of the Conflict Free Smelter Program (CFSP).
“Fair and responsible purchasing of raw materials from conflict-free sources is an unshakeable principle of our raw materials strategy,” explained Dr. Andreas Meier, CEO of H.C. Starck. “We are delighted to have received this certification for the fifth year in a row. It proves that our strategy of focusing on sustainability in procurement of raw materials is the right one,” he added.
Independent auditors commissioned by EICC and GeSI visited the H.C. Starck locations that process tantalum in the United States, Germany, Japan, and Thailand in late 2015, checking in detail whether the locations meet the two organizations’ stringent requirements for processing of conflict-free raw materials. Alongside its cooperation with established, audited mine operators, recycling of secondary raw materials is another pillar of the H.C. Starck raw materials strategy.
