WHAT ARE
“CONFLICT
MINERALS?”
DEFINITION
The minerals TIN, TANTALUM, TUNGSTEN and GOLD (also referred to as “3TG”) are considered “conflict minerals” because they are often mined in conditions of armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries.
WARLORDS
BENEFIT
Conflict minerals provide a major source of funding for warlords in the DRC region, fueling the violence that has plagued the region for decades.
PEOPLE SUFFER
These armed groups use violence to intimidate local populations and maintain control of mines, where workers endure extreme conditions with little or no pay. The atrocities in the region have created a massive humanitarian crisis and a death toll of 5.5 million that grows by the day.
HOW CONFLICT
MINERALS
AFFECT US
EVERYDAY USES
Conflict minerals are used in a wide range of products including mobile phones, computers, jewelry and vehicles.
That’s why automakers (also referred to as Original Equipment Manufacturers or OEMs) and their supply chain partners work together to make sure global vehicle production doesn’t support warlords or further the conflict in the DRC.
TANTALUM:
Audio equipment, climate control, sensors, wiper system, seatbelts and fuel pump to name only a few.
TIN:
Fuel tank, sealants, wiring, radiator, even the seat cushions.
GOLD:
On board electronics and fuel cells.
TUNGSTEN:
Circuits, gear teeth and bearing components.
A TIMELINE
OF INDUSTRY
ACTION
Industry Solutions
Call to Action
Reporting Requirements
to SEC Began
THE TIME
TO ENGAGE
IS NOW
SHARED
RESPONSIBILITY
No one company in the global supply chain bears the responsibility alone. OEMs and suppliers in numerous industries—
automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, electronics and more-
must work together to efficiently address the conflict minerals challenge.
TOGETHER WE CAN
- Educate and engage our industry peers and stakeholders
- Create common tools and solutions
- Reduce the cost and complexity of reporting