Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Daily Use of Conflict Minerals in America

Mar 1, 2013 7:05 AM ET
Campaign: Conflict Minerals

Ever since Dodd-Frank Section 1502 was passed “Conflict Minerals” have become industry buzz words.

What are “Conflict Minerals” and why should it matter to the average American?

Conflict Minerals are minerals mined in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses, notably in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The minerals, also known as 3TG are: Tantalum (Columbite-Tantalite), Tin (Cassiterite), Tungsten (Wolframite) and Gold.

An average American uses Conflict Minerals throughout their daily routine. Typically, we begin our day by brushing our teeth with Tin (contained in toothpaste), followed by dressing in Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten AND Gold and continued by using the 3TG by jumping in our cars to work, school, etc.

Unfortunately, many Americans are unaware of which products contain 3TG or where they are sourced from. Meaning, we may unknowingly be fueling the armed conflict and human rights abuses by using 3TG in our daily lives.

What is the daily use of conflict minerals in America?