The metals that Apple uses in its products have been deemed "conflict-free" by third-party auditors, the company reported late Wednesday.
The report is based on 451 audits at multiple levels in the company's supply chain. Among the top-line items was the sourcing of minerals for Apple products. Tantalum, which is used in iPhones, largely comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. The mining of that element is blamed for conflict in the region, as some rebel groups allegedly use the proceeds from tantalum to arm themselves. In the name of transparency, Apple has released a list of the smelters and refiners whose tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold Apple uses for its products.'
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Apple also claimed a 95% compliance with its standard 60-hour workweek and a sharp reduction in underage employment. Apple compiled those stats in its eighth annual Supplier Responsibility 2014 Progress Report.
In addition, the report says Apple has made some gains in the treatment of its factory workers — an issue that has dogged the company for some time. Eighteen factories — twice the number in 2012 — offer Apple's free education and development program. More than 280,000 workers in 2013 took courses in "such diverse subjects as accounting, English, web design and even flower arranging," the company notes.
Among other highlights in the report:
The number of underage workers fell from 106 to 11 in 2013
Ninety-seven percent of employees take off one day or more a week
Apple upped its environmental audits by 50%