Responsible Supply
Talison's vision is to be a leading global producer of tantalum that is committed to the responsible supply of tantalum products across the supply chain.
There has been a long-term trend to reduce material costs in the electronics supply chain, which has encouraged increased tantalum supply from Central Africa, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This tantalum is often produced illegally or without regard and commitment to health, safety, environment, labour conditions and human rights in a practice called conflict mining.
Talison will also continue to work with the electronics industry to encourage all participants in the supply chain to purchase tantalum from responsible sources who do not engage in conflict mining.
Talison is helping promote the responsible supply of tantalum and bring an end to illegal conflict mining practices in the DRC through active membership of the Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC). Talison's role includes advising EICC members about the supply chain and assisting to establish a transparent system where tantalum is produced in compliance with internationally recognised social, legal, ethical, safety, environmental and transport standards.
In addition to this, Talison has donated US$20,000 to ITRI, the peak body for the tin industry, to support the second phase of their project to establish a reliable process of tracking DRC conflict mined materials throughout the supply chain. If successful, this program will also potentially benefit the tantalum industry by helping enable electronics manufacturers to be certain their tantalum has come from a reliable and ethical source. Talison has encouraged other members of its supply chain to show their support for this important program.
Electronics Industry
Talison is an active Member of the Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC)
The EICC is a group of companies working together to create a comprehensive set of tools and methods that support credible implementation of a Code of Conduct throughout the Electronics and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) supply chain.
By consolidating and standardizing compliance, auditing and reporting efforts, suppliers can focus on achieving the high standards of performance set out by the Code. This approach is also more conducive to fostering a culture of social responsibility throughout the global electronics supply chain.
Talison commits to progressively align its own operations with the provisions of the EICC Code of Conduct and to support and encourage its own first-tier suppliers to do the same.
Wherever possible, Talison seeks to adopt the EICC approach and tools in practical ways in the spirit of the industry's common goals.
Through a continuous improvement approach and the application of high standards, Talison can contribute to creating better social, economic and environmental outcomes for all those involved in the Electronics and ICT supply chains. This includes increased efficiency and productivity for customers and suppliers, improved conditions for workers, economic development and a cleaner environment for local communities.
For more information on the EICC: www.eicc.info
Conflict Mining
Besides the EICC, there are many other organisations working to raise awareness of, and bring an end to the conflict mining of tantalum.
More information on this issue is available on the following websites:
- Enough - The project to end genocide and crimes against humanity
- GeSI - Global e-Sustainability Initiative
- makeITfair - Raising awareness of labour abuse and environmental issues relating to consumer electronics
- Global Witness - Investigates and campaigns to prevent natural resource-related conflict and corruption
Ethics Policy
Our Ethics Policy ensures Talison is committed to ethical business practices and will act with integrity in its dealings with all stakeholders.
Talison's values comprise:
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Respect
- Trust
- Striving for excellence
- Open communication
- Positive, optimistic, 'can do' attitude
- Mutually beneficial relationships
- Good corporate citizen
The Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainable development is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Our Common Future, Brundtland 1987).
In the mining and metals sector, this means that investments in minerals projects should be financially profitable, technically appropriate, environmentally sound and socially responsible. Talison strives to meet these objectives in all its operations.
Talison is also working to support the goals of the ten sustainable development principles set out by the International Council on MIning and Minerals (ICMM).