to determine whether there was any evidence that contradicted the Smelter’s declaration. In doing so, we reviewed sources such as NGO publications, including the Enough Project, Global Witness, Southern Africa Resource Watch and Radio Okapi. We also consulted the most recent United Nations Group of Experts reports on the DRC and performed public internet searches.
If Smelters did not respond to our inquiry, we reviewed the same publicly available sources to determine whether there was reason to believe the Smelter may have sourced from the Covered Countries during the reporting period.
We categorize Smelters that are sourcing (or that we have reason to believe may be sourcing) from the Covered Countries and not currently RMAP Conformant as high-risk. We plan to consider options to transition to smelters that reflect Glaukos’ company values, which may include engaging with our suppliers who source from these high-risk smelters or considering alternative suppliers for the relevant components.
Our suppliers identified 351 unique Smelters, of which 53 Smelters source, or there is a reason to believe they may source, from the Covered Countries. We determined that 38 of these Smelters have been audited and recognized as conformant to the RMAP. Glaukos conducted and will continue to conduct risk mitigation on the remaining 15 Smelters.
Risk Mitigation
Glaukos conducted risk mitigation on 15 Smelters that were not recognized as conformant to the RMAP and were sourcing (or there is a reason to believe they may be sourcing) from the DRC or surrounding countries. Glaukos’ risk mitigation was designed in accordance with Step 3B of the OECD Guidance and will be reported to the Company’s Management Compliance Committee in accordance with Step 3A of the OECD Guidance.
As part of our risk mitigation process, we performed additional due diligence to determine if there was any reason to believe the smelters directly or indirectly financed or benefited armed groups in the DRC or adjoining countries. We also attempted to verify with internal stakeholders and relevant suppliers whether 3TGs from the Smelter in question were actually in Glaukos’ supply chain during the 2023 reporting period, and considered whether we could find alternative products or suppliers. Finally, where possible, we will engage directly with our suppliers to encourage them to source from Smelters that are audited and recognized as conformant to the RMAP. These Smelters are scheduled to be reviewed again in the 2024 reporting period.
Risk Mitigation Improvement Plan
Glaukos is committed to continuous improvement in our due diligence process to further mitigate the risk that the 3TG materials in our products could directly or indirectly benefit or finance armed groups in the Covered Countries. As part of our efforts to mitigate this risk, new or renewed supplier contracts will require suppliers to substantially comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct and Conflict Minerals Policy, and provide information that will allow us to evaluate their Conflict Mineral sourcing status. Additionally, we are continuing to engage with and educate our suppliers to increase supplier response rates and improve the timeliness, accuracy and comprehensiveness of the supplier survey responses we receive. We are also continuing to work with our suppliers to encourage them to source from RMAP conformant smelters when sourcing material from the Covered Countries.
Smelters and Refineries
3TG Metal | Standard Smelter Name |
Gold | 8853 S.p.A. |
Gold | ABC Refinery Pty Ltd. |
Gold | Abington Reldan Metals, LLC |
Gold | Advanced Chemical Company |
Gold | African Gold Refinery |
Gold | Agosi AG |
Gold | Aida Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. |
Gold | Al Etihad Gold Refinery DMCC |