Conflict Minerals in the DRC

Conflict minerals are minerals mined in the presence of militia power and human rights abuse. The four main conflict minerals are currently are classified as, Columbite-tantalite, Cassiterite, Wolframite, and Gold. All of these minerals have at least two things in common. They are all key components in electronic devices, used every day in developed nations, and they are all mined in the DRC. The Columbite-tantalite is the source of the element tantalum, which is used for capacitors in electronic equipment. Cassiterite is the ore needed to produce Tin, which is used in the circuit boards of electronic devices. Wolframite is the source of Tungsten, which enables cellphones to vibrate. These are referred to as the 3 T’s, and are overall very valuable. Lastly, Gold is used as a conductor, and is now the number one conflict mineral for the region.

The Voice of America citied that “the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), in partnership with the DRC registry of mines, found armed groups are involved at about 200 out of the 800 mines they surveyed, while the army is involved at 265 mines. Furthermore, researchers say both the army and militias impose illegal taxes on miners” (Long, 2013). This news is not shocking, but has estimated numbers that make the analysis concrete, with militant groups controlling about 25% of the mines in the area. With stricter international guidelines on the purchase of these conflict minerals, many of these mines have turned away from the 3 T’s as they are more easily tracked through supply chains. However, the trade restrictions do not apply as heavily to Gold as its weight-to-value ratio is higher. Gold is more easily smuggled across the region since even a small amount is very valuable. Gold is also easily smelted, thus making it difficult to track its origin, unlike the 3 T’s.

While many companies have boycotted the regions minerals, some are still in business. The U.N. was able to trace a group of these businesses and “has documented links between gold buyers and armed groups in the region, but so far these buyers have not been sanctioned by the states where they operate”(Long 2013), meaning that the state law does not prohibit the trade of conflict minerals. In order to help end this black market trade, the source government must focus on reprimanding the gold buyers of the region, as ending the demand may end the supply.

Works Citied:

Long, N. (2013, November 21). Congo-Kinshasa: Map Shows Gold is Top Conflict Mineral in Eastern Congo. Voice of America . Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://www.voanews.com/content/new-map-shows-gold-is-top-conflict-mineral-in-eastern-congo/1794975.html