For Investors
For Founders
Resources
To:
Tim Cook and the Board of Directors of Apple
CC:
Responsible Minerals Initiative CEO, Rob Lederer
Responsible Minerals Initiative Exec Dir for Responsible Sourcing, Jennifer Peyser
Eagle Freedom Alliance550 Bailey Ave, Suite 160 Fort Worth, TX 76107
Subject:
As leading innovators in fighting human trafficking and committed shareholders in Apple Inc., we are writing to express our deep appreciation and admiration for Apple’s exemplary work in forging an ethical and forward-thinking path in the sourcing of key minerals from East Africa. In particular, we commend Apple’s leadership in the Responsible Mineral Initiative and its efforts to bring transparency to the supply chain.
We applaud your efforts to ensure that Apple’s supply chain reflects the highest standards of human rights and recognize your work with Africa’s only tantalum refinery, PowerX Ltd., and its vertically integrated mining operation, PowerM Ltd., in Rwanda.
Their parent company, Power Resources International, has not only advanced responsible sourcing and introduced industrial mining practices, but has also empowered local communities and built capacity across an often-overlooked region of strategic importance, whilst developing an enhanced traceability mechanism, Original Evidence, which it has provided to Rwandan miners free of charge.
We are especially inspired by Apple’s ability to be a pioneer customer of this safer and more sustainable supply chain and the groundbreaking platform that brings local miners, processors, and global buyers together under a transparent, ethical framework. Apple’s willingness to lead by example rather than wait for others to act has accelerated global interest in sustainable mineral sourcing and has sent a clear signal that ethical leadership and commercial success go hand-in-hand.
We support Apple’s continued investment in ethical sourcing and we believe these investments strengthen the long-term value of the company, reduce material and reputational risks, and reflect the values of our global customer and shareholder base. As such, we enthusiastically support these efforts and encourage Apple to continue advancing meaningful, scalable solutions in its supply chains.
Sincerely,
Wesley Lyons
For the Eagle Freedom Alliance
www.eagleventurefund.com/alliance
The Eagle Freedom Alliance is the voice of the counter–human trafficking movement to the public markets. While effective, scalable solutions exist, public companies and investors often lack trusted ways to identify what works and engage responsibly. The Alliance bridges that gap by elevating proven solutions, amplifying leadership, and encouraging adoption through the voice of investors.