Responsible Minerals Procurement
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. recognizes that the procurement of tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold and cobalt from states in conflict areas and other high-risk areas may inadvertently fund organizations involved in bribery and other unlawful activities, which is a grave concern in terms of corporate social responsibility. Additionally, we are deeply concerned about human rights abuses such as child labor, harsh working conditions, and environmental destruction.
In order to further clarify our activities on these issues, we formulate the Responsible Minerals Procurement Policy and publish it to our company website as below.
Responsible Minerals Procurement Policy
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. recognizes that the procurement of tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold and cobalt from states in conflict areas and other high-risk areas may inadvertently fund organizations involved in bribery and other unlawful activities, which is a grave concern. Additionally, we are deeply concerned about human rights abuses such as child labor, harsh working conditions, and environmental destruction. In order to fulfill our corporate social responsibility, we promote responsible minerals procurement in the global supply chain.
We are implementing the following activities to promote the responsible minerals procurement.
- We establish an internal control structure and management system for responsible minerals procurement, based on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
- We adopt a survey sheet , which is the industry standard, and conduct surveys and risk assessments by tracing back through supply chains in cooperation with Tier 1 suppliers
- If a risk is identified, we develop a corrective plan and implement measures to minimize risk.
- We respond to requests from customers and other stakeholders and report on the risks identified based on evaluation standards and implement corrective measures if necessary.
Through the above-mentioned activities, we identify and procure materials from those smelters/refiners that underwent an audit and received a clean certification.
Director in charge of Procurement
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
Details of initiatives
The supply chains of minerals, which are the main materials in batteries, pose a variety of CSR risks, such as human rights violations, poor working conditions, environmental destruction around mines, and the involvement of armed groups. In contrast, such supply chains represent an important economic activity for mineral-producing countries, and appropriate due diligence with regard to CSR risks is essential. In accordance with the Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), we have formulated a responsible mineral procurement policy and are promoting activities. As a member of the Panasonic Group, which is a member of RMI*1, a global organization that promotes responsible mineral procurement, we identify smelters and confirm their compliance with industry standard Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) *2 every year with the cooperation of our suppliers.
In fiscal 2026, we encouraged non-compliant smelters to participate in RMAP, collected survey forms from all suppliers, and promoted initiatives targeting 3TG*3 as well as cobalt and mica under the CMRT/EMRT*4 frameworks to ensure procurement from conformant/active smelters*5.
Responsible Mineral Procurement Committee Structure
Activities Regarding Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten and Gold
Item | Data (FY2025) |
|---|---|
CMRT collection rate | 100％ |
Ratio of conformant/active smelters | 88.6％ |
Cobalt and mica related activities
Item | Data (FY2025) |
|---|---|
EMRT collection rate | 100％ |
Ratio of conformant/active smelters | 88.6％ |
*1 : RMI: Responsible Minerals Initiative, an organization that provides industry-standard survey tools, etc. for companies to conduct responsible mineral procurement.
*2 : RMAP is the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process, which is the responsible minerals assurance program of the RMI
*3 : 3TG is the collective term for the four minerals - tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold
*4 : RMI-issued conflict minerals survey forms
*5 : Conformant smelters: Smelters that have been audited to be RMAP-compliant Active smelters: Smelters that are at the preparation stage to be audited by RMI
Integrated Report
The Integrated Report is intended to help our various stakeholders deepen their understanding of our company by disseminating financial and non-financial information, including details of the management strategy, performance and financial status, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
