Apple's statement on Bangka17 July 2013
For 6 months Apple has responded with public silence to evidence of child labour and environmental destruction in its supply chains. But is it finally crumbling?
At last Apple has released a statement about Bangka Island on www.apple.com:
Recent concerns about the illegal mining of tin from this region prompted Apple to lead a fact-finding visit to learn more....we are helping to fund a new study on mining in the region so we can better understand the situation.
It's great news that Friends of the Earth supporters have forced Apple to reconsider its stance on Bangka tin mining. This proves that all your emails, press releases and our stunts in Apple stores around the country are making a difference.
But this statement is far from enough.
Febri - child tin miner
This is Febri Andika, a child tin miner, searching for tin ore at a mine in Belo Laut Village, Bangka, Indonesia.
Tin is used in iPhones, iPads and many other electronics as tin-rich solder. Allegations of child labour in Bangka's unregulated unofficial mining sector are common.
We don't believe Apple is fully committed to helping children like Febri until it admits that it gets tin from the island. Apple needs to come clean about its supply chains.
Ask Apple to face up to the problems on Bangka or share the news using the share buttons below.
© Friends of the Earth
