Letter correspondence with Atlas Copco, 2017
Published 10 April 2017


23 March 2017, WSRW letter to Atlas Copco. Download here.


Atlas Copco reply mail to WSRW, 10 April 2017 below:
"Thank you for your letter regarding Atlas Copco’s operations in Western Sahara.
As stated in previous communication, as well as on our website, Atlas Copco’s sells products to a Moroccan customer who also has one mine located in Western Sahara. In 2008, Atlas Copco sold two drill rigs to this site through the customer in Morocco. Atlas Copco has enhanced efforts to detect and ensure that no future indirect or direct sales in these regions go to projects that may violate international law. Atlas Copco always complies fully with all trade laws, regulations and sanctions. There is no new information that we can share about the concerned business or the customer.
Kind regards,
Sofia Svingby
Vice President Corporate Responsibility
Atlas Copco AB"


New report: Western Sahara phosphate trade halved

The export of phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara has never been lower than in 2019. This is revealed in the new WSRW report P for Plunder, published today.

24 February 2020

Atlas Copco claims Morocco's phosphate plunder is legal

The Swedish industrial group that in recent years has refused to answer questions on its participation in Morocco's phosphate plunder in Western Sahara now claims the exploitation of the conflict mineral is legal.

21 May 2019

New report on Western Sahara phosphate industry out now

Morocco shipped 1.93 million tonnes of phosphate out of occupied Western Sahara in 2018, worth an estimated $164 million, new report shows. Here is all you need to know about the volume, values, vessels and clients.

08 April 2019

New report: Sweden must advise companies on Western Sahara

Sweden is known for paying lip-service to Saharawi self-determination, but is it putting its money where its mouth is? Check out our newly published report on Sweden's involvement in the taking of occupied Western Sahara's natural resources.

27 September 2017