Is Your Classroom Technology Certified Conflict-Free?

Is the interactive display or interactive flat panel (IFP) in your classroom certified conflict-free? Socially responsible companies like SMART make the investment in this certification. Continue reading to learn what it means to have conflict-free technology.

What are Conflict Minerals?

Conflict minerals are the ores of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold — all of which are present in virtually all electronic devices. The warlords in the African Great Lakes Region (the “conflict region”) have used conflict mineral production to fund wars and major human rights abuses. Terrible, right? SMART thought so too.

What Did SMART Do?

As a global organization whose products utilize these minerals, SMART knew it was important to embark on the journey of responsibly sourcing these materials. To be declared and certified as conflict free, SMART identified every component in their line of IFPs that could possibly contain any conflict materials. SMART then chose to conduct a thorough Reasonable Country of Origin Inquiry (RCOI).

The RCOI Process for a SMART Board

The RCOI process for SMART Board manufacturing involved tracing the origin of necessary conflict minerals back to the smelter or processing facility, and documenting the results. If any of their materials were found to be comprised of conflict minerals, SMART removed those vendors from their supply chain and found a new source for the material. Learn more about that process here.

We’re proud to say that all SMART Boards have been independently certified as conflict-free since 2015.

What is the U.S. Congress Doing About Conflict Minerals?

In 2010, the U.S. Congress passed Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, also known as the conflict minerals provision. This particular section requires companies whose securities are registered with the SEC to investigate their supply chains to determine whether production of the minerals used in their products supports the conflict region in any way. Very few companies have been able to rule this out.

What This Means for You

We recommend investigating the companies from whom you are looking to purchase your classroom technologies. By choosing a company that has opted to go through the rigorous process of becoming certified conflict-free, you are making a choice that can have a positive impact in those areas of the world where these minerals are mined, and the people are subject to abuse.

To learn more about what to look for when purchasing interactive displays, check out our eBook “The Ultimate Guide to Interactive Displays.”