Conflict Minerals Policy

The L.S. Starrett Co. has committed to identify raw materials, subassemblies or supplies which we know contain conflict minerals. We do not directly source minerals from mines in the DRC or elsewhere, and the supply chain for these metals consists of many tiers, including mines, traders, exporters, smelters, refiners, alloy producers and component manufacturers, before reaching our direct suppliers and then us for use in our products.

Smelters mix minerals from many sources and refine them into metals used in our industry. The smelter is at a key point in the supply chain to enforce responsible sourcing – by exercising due diligence in selecting their mineral sources. The Conflict-Free Smelter Program (CFSP) identifies smelters which can demonstrate, through an independent third-party assessment that the minerals they procure do not originate from sources that contribute to conflict in the DRC.

As sufficient validated conflict-free smelters for all four metals become available, we will direct our supply chain towards these smelters. It is L.S. Starrett’s ambition for our supply of raw materials containing 3TG materials to be sourced entirely from validated smelters. We regularly update our records with new information received from our suppliers and request they require smelters to participate in the CFSP.