Apple Letter of Thanks
Transforming supply chains through bold leadership in East Africa.
Hidden downstream within big tech’s supply chain are minerals such as cobalt and tantalum. While workers endure long hours, low wages, and deplorable conditions in African mines, the truth behind these practices remains opaque in a region producing more than 50% of the world’s supply.
Recognizing the supply is driven primarily by demand from public tech companies, Apple acted first. Apple’s decision to buy ethically sourced minerals from the first clean mine in Africa represents a monumental shift in the industry. Apple’s leadership is laudable and poses their brand as a leader in the fight against labor trafficking.
Hidden downstream within big tech’s supply chain are minerals such as cobalt and tantalum. While workers endure long hours, low wages, and deplorable conditions in African mines, the truth behind these practices remains opaque in a region producing more than 50% of the world’s supply.
Recognizing the supply is driven primarily by demand from public tech companies, Apple acted first. Apple’s decision to buy ethically sourced minerals from the first clean mine in Africa represents a monumental shift in the industry. Apple’s leadership is laudable and poses their brand as a leader in the fight against labor trafficking.
Purpose
To thank Apple for its leadership in the Responsible Minerals Initiative and for becoming a pioneer customer of an ethical mineral supply chain in East Africa.
To thank Apple for its leadership in the Responsible Minerals Initiative and for becoming a pioneer customer of an ethical mineral supply chain in East Africa.
Why
Forced labor has been endemic to mineral extraction in East Africa, and traceability efforts have long struggled against a market that rewarded opacity. The obstacle was never only technical. A cleaner supply chain existed, but it needed a buyer of consequence to make it real. Apple's willingness to lead by example rather than wait for others to act is pivotal in the fight against labor trafficking.
Forced labor has been endemic to mineral extraction in East Africa, and traceability efforts have long struggled against a market that rewarded opacity. The obstacle was never only technical. A cleaner supply chain existed, but it needed a buyer of consequence to make it real. Apple's willingness to lead by example rather than wait for others to act is pivotal in the fight against labor trafficking.
This is what the Alliance exists to elevate. Apple's decision has accelerated global interest in sustainable mineral sourcing and sent a clear signal to the market: ethical leadership and commercial success go hand-in-hand, and the companies willing to move first will define the standard the rest of the industry follows.
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