Conflict Minerals
Conflict minerals refer to minerals associated with funding armed groups or related to human rights abuses.
The types of conflict minerals are known as 3TG (Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum, Gold).
The concept of conflict minerals emerged during the 2000s-2010s as international society became concerned about the human rights and internal conflict issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring regions. In certain regions, the proceeds from mineral sales were funneled to armed groups, leading to issues such as child labor and human rights abuses in mining and mineral processing.
To prevent this, starting with the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act, many companies are making efforts to confirm and disclose that the minerals they use are free of any involvement with human rights violations or armed groups. Companies are also striving to ensure that the minerals used are unrelated to conflicts or violations of human rights.
Responsible Minerals
Responsible minerals encompass a broader concept that includes conflict minerals and refer to all minerals that must be mined, processed, and traded with consideration for human rights, environmental, and social responsibilities.
The concept of responsible minerals gained attention in the early 21st century with increasing interest in environmental protection and human rights.
Companies have a social responsibility to address all human rights, environmental, and social issues that may arise during the mining, processing, and trading of minerals, including conflict minerals.
Comparison Between Conflict and Responsible Minerals
| Category | Conflict Minerals | Responsible Minerals
|
|---|
| Definition | Conflict-free | Responsible sourcing |
| Background | - Issue arose in the late 2000s due to concerns about human rights violations in DRC and surrounding areas
- Focused on preventing funding for armed groups
- Aimed to stop human rights abuses
| - Emerged in the early 2010s alongside global attention to sustainable development and ethical sourcing
- Emphasizes ethical and sustainable practices in mineral production and trade
|
| Minerals | 3TG (Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum, Gold) | 3TG + Cobalt, Mica, etc. |
| Legal Requirements | - U.S.: Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502 → SEC Final Rule
- EU: 2017/821
| Legal obligations apply mainly to 3TG |
| Region | Conflict zones (e.g., DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia) | - High-risk areas (e.g., areas with human rights issues, armed conflict, or systemic instability)
|
International Social Response to Conflict/Responsible Minerals
The international community is working to regulate and prevent the use of materials tied to armed conflict and human rights abuses while protecting the rights of local workers.
Many companies are members of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and voluntarily publish reports demonstrating their commitment to respecting human rights and environmental standards.
The OECD has published guidelines titled Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains to help companies responsibly source and trade minerals.
Related Organizations
RMI (Responsible Minerals Initiative)
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) was established in 2008 to address issues related to mineral sourcing and human rights violations.
[2018], the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) was renamed as the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).
RMI provides global standards for evaluating companies' efforts in responsible mineral sourcing and offers standardized reporting templates for companies to disclose information.
Relevant Regulations and Standards
U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010)
The U.S. Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502 addresses the use of minerals from the DRC and surrounding conflict zones. It requires U.S.-listed companies to disclose the source of minerals used (3TG).
EU’s Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017)
The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation seeks to prevent minerals from financing armed groups in conflict zones. It mandates companies to confirm that imported 3TG minerals are free from human rights violations.
OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance
The OECD provides companies with guidance on managing risks associated with conflict minerals and ensuring responsible supply chain management to promote transparency and protect human rights.
OECD 5-Step Framework
- Establish strong management systems
- Identify and assess risks in the supply chain
- Design and implement a strategy to respond to identified risks
- Carry out independent third-party audits
- Report annually on supply chain due diligence
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Conflict Minerals
Conflict minerals refer to minerals associated with funding armed groups or related to human rights abuses.
The types of conflict minerals are known as 3TG (Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum, Gold).
The concept of conflict minerals emerged during the 2000s-2010s as international society became concerned about the human rights and internal conflict issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring regions. In certain regions, the proceeds from mineral sales were funneled to armed groups, leading to issues such as child labor and human rights abuses in mining and mineral processing.
To prevent this, starting with the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act, many companies are making efforts to confirm and disclose that the minerals they use are free of any involvement with human rights violations or armed groups. Companies are also striving to ensure that the minerals used are unrelated to conflicts or violations of human rights.
Responsible Minerals
Responsible minerals encompass a broader concept that includes conflict minerals and refer to all minerals that must be mined, processed, and traded with consideration for human rights, environmental, and social responsibilities.
The concept of responsible minerals gained attention in the early 21st century with increasing interest in environmental protection and human rights.
Companies have a social responsibility to address all human rights, environmental, and social issues that may arise during the mining, processing, and trading of minerals, including conflict minerals.
Comparison Between Conflict and Responsible Minerals
Conflict-affected or High-risk Areas, CAHRA
International Social Response to Conflict/Responsible Minerals
The international community is working to regulate and prevent the use of materials tied to armed conflict and human rights abuses while protecting the rights of local workers.
Many companies are members of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and voluntarily publish reports demonstrating their commitment to respecting human rights and environmental standards.
The OECD has published guidelines titled Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains to help companies responsibly source and trade minerals.
Related Organizations
RMI (Responsible Minerals Initiative)
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) was established in 2008 to address issues related to mineral sourcing and human rights violations.
[2018], the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) was renamed as the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).
RMI provides global standards for evaluating companies' efforts in responsible mineral sourcing and offers standardized reporting templates for companies to disclose information.
Relevant Regulations and Standards
U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010)
The U.S. Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502 addresses the use of minerals from the DRC and surrounding conflict zones. It requires U.S.-listed companies to disclose the source of minerals used (3TG).
EU’s Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017)
The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation seeks to prevent minerals from financing armed groups in conflict zones. It mandates companies to confirm that imported 3TG minerals are free from human rights violations.
OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance
The OECD provides companies with guidance on managing risks associated with conflict minerals and ensuring responsible supply chain management to promote transparency and protect human rights.
OECD 5-Step Framework
MDSKorea helps businesses comply with global product environmental regulations through Global Product Regulatory Compliance Consulting, Regulatory Chemicals DB Subscription, and Chemical Compliance Analysis Service.
Contact Us to learn more.