The Conflict-free smelter program (CFS) is a program aimed to help companies identify conflict minerals in their supply chains and ensure that they are being responsibly sourced. This program was developed by the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) in order to audit automotive companies and their suppliers. To ensure that the automotive industry is not sourcing from irresponsible suppliers, reporting the location of where automotive suppliers are buying minerals has become a requirement.

What does it take to be a conflict free smelter?

According to the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative, conflict-free smelters must pass an audit conducted by the Conflict-Free Smelter Program (CFSP). While the program is voluntary, the idea is to provide reassurance to customers and manufacturers that your metal supply is conflict-free. During the audit, the CFSP will review company policies and/or codes of conduct relating to conflict minerals and how the policies are incorporated in management and procurement procedures. From there, they will conduct a material analysis review. This review will look at whether the products produced are indeed conflict-free, that the source locations are consistent with mine locations, and make sure recycled materials meet the standards for secondary materials.

Partnering with conflict-free smelters is just one way to ensure that your Conflict Minerals Report comes back clean. Make sure your reporting efforts are on track before the May 31, 2015 deadline with the Guide to Conflict Minerals Reporting Templates.