Conflict Minerals

Conflict minerals are minerals that are mined in areas of the world where there are ongoing conflicts or human rights abuses. These minerals are typically sold on the black market to fund armed groups and perpetuate regional violence.

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What are Conflict Minerals?

The most commonly recognized conflict minerals are tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold, which are used in many electronic devices and other products. These minerals are often sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries, where conflict and human rights abuses are rampant. The mining of these minerals in the region has been linked to child labor, forced labor, and environmental damage, as well as funding armed groups that commit violent acts against civilians. Efforts have been made by governments, industry groups, and NGOs to address the issue of conflict minerals, including the creation of regulations to promote responsible sourcing practices and ensure that companies are not contributing to conflict and human rights abuses through their supply chains.

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What are the Potential Sources of Conflict Minerals in the Electronic Industry?

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the country most commonly associated with conflict minerals. However, neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi are also known to produce conflict minerals. Armed groups control many mines and extractive operations in these countries, often using forced labor and other abusive practices. In addition, the profits from the sale of conflict minerals are used to fund these armed groups and perpetuate violence in the region. Learn More.

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What are Governments Doing to Regulate Conflict Minerals in Supply Chains?

Efforts have been made by governments, industry groups, and NGOs to address the issue of conflict minerals, including the creation of regulations such as the Dodd-Frank Act in the US, which requires companies to disclose their use of conflict minerals in their products. In addition, the European Union (EU) has also implemented a "Conflict Minerals Regulation” designed to address the issue of conflict minerals. The law was adopted in 2017 and enacted on January 1, 2021. Learn More.

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What is the EU Conflict Minerals Policy and Regulation?

The European Union (EU) has implemented the "Conflict Minerals Regulation,” designed to address the issue of conflict minerals. The regulation was adopted in 2017 and came into effect on January 1, 2021.

The Conflict Minerals Regulation aims to promote responsible sourcing practices and prevent companies from contributing to conflict and human rights abuses through their supply chains. It is part of a broader global effort to address the issue of conflict minerals and ensure that minerals are sourced responsibly and ethically. The regulation applies to all EU importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold sourced from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, regardless of their size or industry.

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What is the US Conflict Minerals Policy and Regulation?

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Act of 2010's Section 1502 is the United States’ legislation on conflict minerals. The US Department of State works to increase support on a global scale for due diligence recommendations designed to assist businesses in developing a responsible trade in minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk regions in the African Great Lakes Region. Learn More.