Conflict Minerals
As defined by US legislation, “conflict minerals” include tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold, which are the derivatives of the minerals cassiterite, columbite-tantalite and wolframite, respectively. The derivatives of these minerals are referred to as 3TG. These minerals are commonly used in electronics products. Some of the mining operations for these minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries are controlled by warring militias who may be financing armed conflict with profits from the sale of these minerals. This ongoing conflict has been linked to human rights violations, labor abuses, and environmental degradation.
It is NETSCOUT’s goal to use 3TG in our products that do not directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the region and to ensure the responsible supply chain management of 3TG from conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
In support of this policy, NETSCOUT will:
- Establish processes to identify and assess 3TG risk in the supply chain and respond to risks, consistent with applicable industry guidance including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.
- Expect our suppliers to commit to the responsible sourcing of minerals, including establishing a policy to reasonably assure that any 3TG in the products they manufacture does not directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the region.
- Report the results of our risk assessment and due diligence activities as appropriate.
Please see NETSCOUT’s SEC Form SD for NETSCOUT’s current Conflict Minerals Report.
Conflict Minerals Questions or Concerns?
NETSCOUT has established a mechanism by which customers, employees, and other interested parties may provide or request information relevant to the Company’s Conflict Minerals Management Program (CMMP) and report any grievances with respect to Conflict Minerals issues in general.