What are Conflict Minerals and how do they relate to Solid State Storage Devices?

The Conflict Minerals are tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold (collectively known as the 3TGs).

In the US, the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act created legislation in an effort to eliminate Conflict Minerals which originate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries. The concern is 3TGs mined and transported within this region directly or indirectly finance armed groups and contribute to humanitarian crisis.

The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) has implemented Section 1502 of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act requiring companies to file an annual report beginning in May of 2014 and covering 2013 manufacturing. The reports describe if Conflict Minerals are used and what sources they come from. A company is only required to report if they meet all the following criteria:

• Publicly traded on a US Exchange
• Manufacture or use Contract Manufacturer
• 3TGs necessary to functionality or production of their product(s)

While Cactus Technologies is not a publicly traded company in the US and is not required to file annual reports to the SEC, we do use tin and gold in the Solid State Storage Devices we manufacture. In support of the law, Cactus takes DRC conflict-free sourcing seriously.

Our Cactus policy includes a DRC conflict-free sourcing program and we require our direct suppliers to be DRC conflict-free as well. In addition, our direct suppliers are required to source from validated smelters on the CFS (Conflict Free Sourcing) Compliant Smelters List and provide details and certification to Cactus demonstrating compliance.

Since we sell our products to many publicly traded US corporations, we provide a declaration to our customers based on the EICC (Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition) Conflict Minerals Reporting Template. If specific additional compliance documentation is required we are able to supply that as well.

If you need any additional information regarding Conflict Minerals as they relate to Cactus Industrial Grade Flash Storage or other devices, please contact us.