CONFLICT MINERALS
DEFINITION
Conflict resources are natural resources whose systematic
exploitation and trade in a context of conflict contribute to, benefit from or
result in the commission of serious violations of human rights, violations of
international humanitarian law or violations amounting to crimes under
international law.
—Global Witness, proposed Definition of conflict resources
3T/G
The most commonly mined conflict minerals are cassiterite
(for tin), wolframite (for tungsten), coltan (for tantalum), and gold ore,
which are extracted from the Eastern Congo, and passed through a variety of
intermediaries before being purchased by multinational electronics companies.
These minerals are essential in the manufacture of a variety of devices,
including consumer electronics such as mobile phones, laptops, and MP3 players.
The extraction and sale of blood diamonds, also known as
"conflict diamonds", is a
better-known phenomenon which occurs under virtually identical conditions.
DETAIL OF CONFLICT MINERALS
The four most prominent conflict minerals, for example
codified in the U.S. Conflict Minerals Law, are:
1
Columbite-tantalite (or coltan, the colloquial African term) is the
metal ore from which the element tantalum is extracted. Tantalum is used
primarily for the production of tantalum capacitors, particularly for
applications requiring high performance, a small compact format and high
reliability, ranging widely from hearing aids and pacemakers, to airbags, GPS,
ignition systems and anti-lock braking systems in automobiles, through to
laptop computers, mobile phones, video game consoles, video cameras and digital
cameras.[In its carbide form, tantalum possesses significant hardness and wear
resistance properties. As a result, it is used in jet engine/turbine blades,
drill bits, end mills and other tools.
2 Cassiterite is
the chief ore needed to produce tin, essential for the production of tin cans
and solder on the circuit boards of electronic equipment. Tin is also commonly
a component of biocides, fungicides and as tetrabutyl tin/tetraoctyl tin, an
intermediate in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high performance paint
manufacturing.
3 Wolframite
is an important source of the element tungsten. Tungsten is a very dense metal
and is frequently used for this property, such as in fishing weights, dart tips
and golf club heads. Like tantalum carbide, tungsten carbide possesses hardness
and wear resistance properties and is frequently used in applications like
metalworking tools, drill bits and milling. Smaller amounts are used to
substitute lead in "green ammunition".Minimal amounts are used in
electronic devices, including the vibration mechanism of cell phones.
4 Gold is used
in jewellery, electronics, and dental products. It is also present in some
chemical compounds used in certain semiconductor manufacturing processes.
UNITED STATES LAW
In April 2009, Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) introduced the
Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009 (S. 819) to require electronics companies
to verify and disclose their sources of cassiterite, wolframite, and tantalum.
This legislation died in committee. However, Brownback added similar language
as Section 1502 of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act, which passed Congress and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on
July 21, 2010.
CONTEXT OF INDIAN CONTINENT
In India there are no government obligation or guidelines
has been released till, however compliance may be done based on pure
self-diligence.
How Ever if you are supplying to anyone outside of India
where Law is available, you may need to comply and certifications
For more detail,
please drop the reply in comment Section.
Image Source-
Wikipedia
