Jul 27, 2022 20:00:00

It was discovered that Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are using illegally excavated 'gold' for their products

Natural resources such as gold and copper are essential materials for electronic products. Unfortunately, there are many illegal miners around the world because these natural resources are so valuable. Brazil's local media Repórter Brasil reports that Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon were buying illegally mined gold in Brazil for their products.

Exclusivo: Apple, Google, Microsoft e Amazon usaram ouro ilegal de terras in dígenas brasileiras

https://reporterbrasil.org.br/2022/07/exclusivo-apple-google-microsoft-e-amazon-usaram-ouro-ilegal-de-terras-indigenas-brasileiras/

Apple and other companies bought illegal gold from Brazil --9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2022/07/25/apple-bought-gold-illegal-in-brazil/

A report by Repórter Brasil confirms that Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon were buying gold from metal smelters Chimet and Martham. Timmet and Martham are certified companies in the United States and Europe, but they are being investigated by the Brazilian Federal Police on charges of illegally mining natural resources in addition to multiple charges regarding environmental destruction.

In Brazil, mining natural resources in the Amazon rainforest (

Selva ) is banned as it can lead to deforestation and river pollution. Nevertheless, some companies are illegally mining and selling to various companies. The sale of illegally mined metal is a source of funds for organized crime, and as illegal mining companies expand their businesses, they can launch armed attacks on indigenous peoples living in Selva or trigger conflicts. The number of cases is increasing.

All companies listed on the US Stock Exchange are required to report the source of their natural resources. Repórter Brasil checked this report and found that Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon had the names Chimet and Multim.

When Repórter Brasil requested comments from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, Apple responded that 'I have not already purchased gold from Martham.' However, Apple did not comment on Chimet.

In a document submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Apple said, 'We will strive to protect the environment and also consider the lives of people affected by its supply chain.' In response, IT news site 9to5Mac says, 'High-tech companies claim they use clean materials, but they're not interested in where the materials come from. It seems. '

Google also said, 'We are from certified companies that are free of conflict, such as those that have been audited by the Responsible Minerals Initiative or a third-party assessment program for our suppliers in accordance with the Supplier Code of Conduct. We only procure resources. '

The U.S. government has also declined to comment on allegations that tech companies are using illegally mined gold. Meanwhile, the London Bullion Market Association is aware of the investigation into alleged illegal mining by metal smelters such as Chimet and Martham, and said it would reconsider whether the certifications of these companies are justified.