Sanctioned Gold Refineries Surface in Tesla, Amazon, Volkswagen Supply Chains

A recent analysis by the Financial Times found that three major companies, Tesla, Amazon, and Volkswagen, have listed sanctioned gold refineries in their supply chain disclosures.

The African Gold Refinery in Uganda and the Gasabo Gold Refinery in Rwanda were among four gold refineries identified as being under US, British, or European sanctions.

The analysis looked at conflict-mineral reports from over 160 American companies and at least ten foreign businesses, including Tesla, Amazon, Volkswagen, and Nokia.

It's worth noting that the appearance of these refineries in the disclosures does not necessarily mean that any of the companies purchased gold directly or indirectly from them. The reports can contain extensive lists supplied by manufacturers several levels removed from the company submitting the disclosure.