Minerals from conflict areas: Existing and new responsible‐sourcing initiatives

Briefing 11-02-2014

The example of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) demonstrates how mineral extraction in developing countries may fuel or aggravate internal armed conflicts characterised by extreme levels of violence. In an effort to sever the linkage between mineral extraction and conflict finance, the UN and the OECD have developed guidelines for companies sourcing minerals from conflict areas. While the US has introduced legally binding requirements for corporations, the EU has yet to enact similar legislation despite calls from the European Parliament and others.