Chinese Regulators Investigating Two Apple Suppliers Over Toxic Metal Dumping

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that authorities in China are investigating Foxconn and UniMicron, two Apple suppliers over dumping heavy toxic metals into nearby rivers.

The groups were accused of dumping these toxic metals in an industrial district near Shanghai by an environmental activists and other agencies.

Local officials are investigating plants owned by Taiwanese companies Foxconn Technology Group and UniMicron Technology Corp said Ding Yudong, the vice director of the local arm of China's environmental regulator. The probe follows accusations late last week by Chinese environmental activist Ma Jun and a group of five nonprofit organizations that the companies are releasing water tainted with heavy metals into the rivers.


Testing of the waters will take a considerable amount of time, and if the suppliers are found violating any rules or regulations, they could face tough penalties. Foxconn claims it complies with emission standards and that all emissions have been "been processed in accordance with all relevant government laws and environmental regulations." UniMicron didn't respond to a request for a comment over this investigation, but has previously claimed that has a third party that inspects wastewater quarter.

An Apple spokesperson said that Apple has been working closely with suppliers and an environmental group to ensure the company's standards are being met.

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