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Nov 16, 2017 - Economy

Apple and Google praised for taking action on conflict minerals

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Advocacy group Enough put out a list of the tech and jewelry companies doing the most and least around use of conflict minerals – things like gold, tin, tungsten, and tantalum that are mined in violence-torn parts of the Congo.

Tech giants Apple, Google, Microsoft and HP were at the top of the group's list, with retailers like Costco, Sears, Nieman-Marcus and Walmart at the bottom.

Methodology: The highest possible score is 120 points, but extra credit is possible. Companies are scored based on their commitment to a conflict-free mineral sourcing policy, outside audits, their support for communities in the Congo, and advocacy; Data: The Enough Project; Chart: Chris Canipe / Axios
Methodology: The highest possible score is 120 points, but extra credit is possible. Companies are scored based on their commitment to a conflict-free mineral sourcing policy, outside audits, their support for communities in the Congo, and advocacy; Data: The Enough Project; Chart: Chris Canipe / Axios

Not all tech companies good: While the leaders were all big names in tech, a number of companies got low marks, including Samsung and Toshiba

Not all retailers bad: Simialrly, while the lowest marks went to companies that sell jewelry, some such companies got higher scores, including Signet and Tiffany & Co.

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