KEMET tantalum capacitors are conflict free

3rd June 2014

Mick Elliott

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KEMET’s determination to source conflict-free minerals for its tantalum capacitor products is spelt out in the company’s 2013 Conflict Minerals Report, which it has submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in accordance with US law. The Conflict Minerals Report provides details on the company’s efforts to ensure that all KEMET tantalum materials are sourced conflict-free, either through the Company’s vertically integrated closed pipe tantalum supply chain or though valued supply chain partners.

As outlined in the report, all KEMET tantalum supply chain sources were validated by the Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) Conflict-Free Smelter Program (CFSP).

“As one of the largest users of tantalum, KEMET saw an opportunity to develop a comprehensive, sustainable solution for sourcing conflict-free tantalum ore from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Per Loof (pictured), KEMET Chief Executive Officer. “The goal was to build a foundation that embraced lasting prosperity and security for all the involved parties. Our Partnership for Social and Economic Sustainability initiative is doing just that, and we are pleased to be improving the standard of living in and around the mining village of Kisengo in Katanga Province while demonstrating that solutions combining social sustainability and economic interests are not mutually exclusive.”

The culmination of these efforts allows KEMET to describe its surface mount MnO2 tantalum and surface mount polymer tantalum capacitors as conflict-free. KEMET is also currently pursuing conflict-free sourcing for gold, tin and tungsten.

Most notably, the KEMET Partnership for Social and Economic Sustainability initiative committed $1.5 million over its first two years for social sustainability projects at the mine and village. The company also helped establish the Kisengo Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at improving education, healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure and recreational opportunities for the people of Kisengo.

With KEMET’s help the village will have a new hospital opening in the autumn of 2014, featuring basic equipment and doctor training visits and a new school also opening in the autumn of 2014, including basic materials and teachers. Fresh water wells and chlorination equipment, solar powered street lighting and bridge and road construction and repair have also been undertaken.