• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.255-263
• /
• 2014

Conflict minerals refer to minerals mined in conditions of armed conflict, especially as in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The common conflict minerals are cassiterite, wolframite, coltan(columbite-tantalite ore), and gold, which are mined and extracted from the Eastern Congo. These minerals are essentially used in the manufacture of a variety of devices, including consumer electronics. To end the violent conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and in surrounding countries, it is necessary to block the supply route of conflict minerals which has been partially financed by the exploitation and trade of conflict minerals. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, passed into law in July 2010 and it contains requirements that U.S. companies report to the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) on the origin of conflict minerals and show due diligence of OECD. The goal of the act is to cut direct and indirect funding of armed groups engaged in conflict.