is your rock phosphate ethical?

Here is a Wesfarmers ann which may be Mak relevant.

"Wesfarmers decision a win for ESG

Friday, 23 October 2009 11:50am

In a win for listed company engagement, Wesfarmers has decided to find other sources of a mineral from outside a region with a questionable human rights record after engagement from institutional investors including Christian Super.

Wesfarmers agreed to significantly invest to source the phosphate rock used in their production of agricultural superphosphate from areas outside of the Western Sahara.

"Western Sahara is a disputed territory where there are clear human rights abuses. Importing phosphate from this region raises ethical questions that are very difficult to answer positively," said Peter Murphy, chief executive at Christian Super.

Murphy said Wesfarmers' decision has spurred the fund to continue proactively engaging with companies that present a strong investment opportunity.

Tim Macready, chief investment officer at Christian Super, said Wesfarmers' decision is an acknowledgement by the listed company that these issues could harm its reputation.

"[This] is not only an outcome for Christian Super's ethical investment process, it also proactively manages the long-term risk of investments by foreseeing ‘risk' areas that may threaten the investment's reputation and long-term profitability," said Macready."