Cobalt

As part of its responsible minerals program, cobalt is a key focus for Acer due to the associated child labor issues in the DRC. In 2021, Acer reported the results of its third full cycle supply chain survey using the cobalt reporting template (CRT), which was used to gather information on cobalt policies, due diligence procedures and to identify the cobalt refiners in Acer’s supply chain for 2020. Acer surveyed its suppliers of hard drives and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, as well as original design manufacturers. Acer reported the identification of 31 unique cobalt refiners, an increase of 3 over the 28 refiners that were reported the previous year. Of the 31 refiners, 9 were RMAP-conformant and 17 were participating in the RMAP program, leaving only 5 that required outreach by Acer. 
For the current 2021 data cycle we used the newly developed extended minerals reporting template (EMRT) which combines the CRT and the mica reporting template (MRT) into one template supporting both minerals. As a result of our cobalt due diligence measures and the collection of supply chain information, we were able to identify 62 unique cobalt refiners in our supply chain, and increase of 31 over the previous year. Also, the RMAP status improved to 23 RMAP-conformant, 15 participating and 24 that will require outreach. To review the results of those activities, please refer to Acer’s most recent 2021 Responsible Minerals Report .

Mica

In 2021, Acer identified mica as a new priority mineral in its responsible minerals due diligence program, primarily for its presence in product coatings and began to include it in its supply chain surveys for the current cycle. Due to the potential that the mining and processing of mica contributes to environmental and social impacts, Acer considers mica an important part of its responsible minerals program. Given the early stages of both the industry focus and our efforts on tracing mica, we have only identified 3 processors, all of which will require outreach. As with other minerals in the program, it is expected that the number will increase as the program matures.

Indonesia Tin

In 2019, Acer continued its membership in RMI’s Tin Working Group (TWG). The TWG is focused on the environmental impacts and safety concerns of mining tin in Indonesia. Major progress in 2019, included the completion of phase II, which included the development of two practical guides on sustainable land reclamation and OHS capacity building. The practical guide on sustainable land reclamation was the deliverable that resulted from the completion of the 2018 pilot project that sought to show the feasibility of mine site land reclamation to enable alternative business model (e.g., agriculture, rubber trading, fisheries, etc.) that would generate an increased income for the community and reduce the reliance on mining activities. The practical guide on OHS capacity building was the deliverable resulting from the other 2018 pilot project that targeted improving the OHS performance at mines sites by identifying four artisanal and small scale (ASM) mine sites with three tin producing companies to detect major hazards and mitigation measures as well as to conduct behavioural analysis. Also, the TWG roadmap was updated based on the group activities and deliverables. Finally, in October of 2019, the membership held a phase II exit meeting to discuss the current format and the path forward within the RMI in 2020.

We continue to believe that working together as an industry and in partnership with all stakeholders is the most efficient way to enable success at driving meaningful improvement in the social and environmental conditions associated with raw materials extraction.