Responsible minerals
Our approach to responsible minerals
We employ careful measures to prevent the procurement of minerals that are connected, either directly or indirectly, to the risks identified in Annex 2 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidance.
Our objective is to secure that the metals in our supply chain are responsibly sourced and conflict free- and therefore, we communicate our policy to all first-tier suppliers and subcontractors. We require them to exclusively source from smelters that have been verified by a recognized program, thus obtaining validated assurance.
We have been addressing responsible mineral sourcing since 2007 by implementing internal controls on our primary suppliers. In addition, we collaborate with industry-wide initiatives through our membership in the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) and our active participation in the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).
To fulfill our requirements, we have established a due diligence process that aligns with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, incorporating RMI tools and resources.
ST Corporate policy for sourcing responsible minerals
Sourcing responsible minerals is a high priority for us in ST. We publicly report our progress on this topic through our annual Sustainability report and Conflict Minerals report as filed with the SEC and EU Regulations.
Upon request, we provide customers with in-depth information regarding our supply chain sources and validation. This information is shared through the widely recognized RMI reporting templates, the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) and the Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT). These templates provide a comprehensive overview of our sourcing practices, promoting transparency.
We continuously monitor our supply chain and regularly evaluate our mineral usage and processes. Our aim is not only to comply with legal requirements but also to minimize our impact on ethical and sustainable aspects.
Conflict minerals
Extended minerals
Au
GoldElectrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. Facilitates ohmic contact.
W
TungstenThermal and electrical conductivity. Increases transistor speed.
Sn
TinElectrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, lightweight. Electronic solder for joining circuit boards.
Ta
TantalumThermal stability, conductivity, corrosion resistance. Excellent insulator for high-tech capacitors.
Co
Cobalt Improved electromigration.
Enables to operate at smaller sizes.
Mica
MicaLow power loss factor, insulation, resistance to high voltage.
Membership and recognition
RESPONSIBLE MINERALS INITIATIVE
Founded in 2008, the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) is an organization with more than 400 member companies, developing tools and resources to address responsible mineral sourcing in the supply chain. Through these resources, the RMI develops comprehensive industry-wide programs that enable its members to evaluate the compliance of smelters and refiners.
ST joined RMI working groups to collaborate with our peers and collectively drive significant improvements in the mining sector. Our objective is to prevent, among others, human rights violations as well as mitigate severe health, safety, and environmental risks.
DOWNSTREAM ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
We are one of the first semiconductor manufacturer to receive the Downstream Assessment Program (DAP) recognition for tantalum, tungsten, gold, tin and cobalt. We successfully obtained the DAP certification, which validates our company's diligence and compliance on a bi-annual basis.
This assessment offers independent third-party assurance for companies importing 3TGC-containing products into the EU.
Our commitments and achievements through the years
2007
Launch of the Responsible Minerals activity in ST
2008
International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (Future RMI)
2010
First draw of the Dodd-Frank Act & OECD due diligence guidelines for companies
2011
First ST CMRT declaration and RMI membership
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) draft regulations
2017
First ST participation to the Cobalt pilot program to create the Cobalt Reporting Template (CRT)
Regulation (EU) 2017/821 passed
2018
First ST CRT declaration
2021
ST’s first DAP obtention and first EMRT declaration
Regulation (EU) 2017/821 application
2023
Renewal of DAP
Regulation (EU) 2017/821 application
2007
Launch of the Responsible Minerals activity in ST
2008
International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (Future RMI)
2010
First draw of the Dodd-Frank Act & OECD due diligence guidelines for companies
2011
First ST CMRT declaration and RMI membership
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) draft regulations
2017
First ST participation to the Cobalt pilot program to create the Cobalt Reporting Template (CRT)
Regulation (EU) 2017/821 passed
2018
First ST CRT declaration
2021
ST’s first DAP obtention and first EMRT declaration
Regulation (EU) 2017/821 application
2023
Renewal of DAP
Regulation (EU) 2017/821 application
Mineral sourcing in ST's supply chain
#01
Upstream
From minerals to refined materials
Large-scale mining (LSM)
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM)
Large-scale mining (LSM)
Traders
Exporters
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM)
#02
Choke point
Smelters & refiners
Recycled waste
Smelters & refiners
#03
Downstream
From refined materials to electronic supply
Traders
Processors & manufacturers
Component manufacturer
ST customers: product manufacturers & retailers
Recycled waste
Grievance mechanism
Any grievance related to responsible minerals can be reported through our “Speak Up” Ethics Hotline.
The hotline is managed by an independent third-party provider and offers assistance 24/7 in multiple languages online or by phone.
Speak Up
If you have any concern or if you witness any inappropriate behavior, please speak up.
