Responsibility Procure Minerals and Carry Out Due Diligence
Suppliers shall carry out due diligence to ensure that minerals contained in the products they manufacture, such as tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold, do not cause or contribute to serious human rights violations, environmental destruction, corruption, conflict, or other such problems in conflict areas and high-risk areas.
It is said that some minerals produced in conflict areas are potentially a source of funds for militants who commit inhumane acts and thereby promote conflicts or cause human rights violations.
In order to fulfill corporate social responsibilities in procurement activities, NTT Group will work with suppliers to ensure the transparency of the supply chain. Furthermore, with respect for the spirit of the law, we will promote initiatives to eliminate the use of conflict minerals, which are a source of funds for militants.
Even in areas where there are conflicts, some minerals are not a source of funds for militants, so we will work to prevent militants from using those minerals.
The internationally recognized “OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains” gives the following five steps for due diligence regarding responsible mineral procurement.
Step 1 : Establish strong company management systems
Step 2 : Identify and access risks in the supply chain
Step 3 : Design and implement a strategy to respond to identified risks
Step 4 : Carry out independent third-party audits of smelter/refiner’s due diligence practices
Step 5 : Report annually on supply chain due diligence
When actions or events that do not satisfy the matters described in these guidelines are identified as a result of due diligence, NTT Group will request all suppliers to make improvements. If no improvements are made, then we will take appropriate measures, including canceling transactions.
