Conflict minerals are in high demand because they are critical components in many everyday consumer products. Mined primarily in politically unstable regions, these minerals often fuel armed conflict and human rights abuses. To mitigate these risks, companies must ensure responsible sourcing and verify supplier credibility. Global conflict minerals regulations support efforts to protect communities from violence and exploitation, but compliance is complex without a clear strategy. The first step in understanding compliance begins with identifying which products contain conflict minerals.
Defining conflict minerals and their uses
The term conflict minerals refers to tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, often abbreviated as 3TG. These minerals are critical in various consumer products, particularly in the electronic and automotive industries. They are also frequently combined with other elements to form alloys like pewter and bronze, further extending their applications.
What products are conflict minerals used in?
Conflict minerals are widely used in consumer products, particularly electronics, due to their durability, heat resistance, and malleability. These properties make them indispensable, ensuring their presence across many supply chains.
- Tin is malleable, lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion; and is often used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion.
- Tantalum has high ductility and density. It is also great at conducting heat and electricity and has a high melting point of 3,017 degrees Celsius.
- Tungsten is often used in tools as it has the highest melting point of all metals at 3,420 degrees Celsius; has a high density; and has a high tensile strength.
- Gold is malleable, not highly corrosive, and conductive to electricity and heat. It is also resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and acids.
Electronics
Tin
- Batteries
- Wire and cable coating
- Dielectrics (electrical insulators)
Tantalum
- Wire
- LED lights
- Portable electronics & high-speed processing devices
Tungsten
- Electrodes
- High temperatures
- X-ray tubes
Gold
-
Sound Systems
- Cellphones
- Connecting wires & connection strips
Explore how 3TG impacts electronics manufacturing and discover practical tips for tracing these minerals in your supply chain.
Clothing and Jewelry
Tin
- Eyeglasses
- Jewelry, watches
- Zippers, fasteners, buttons
Tungsten
- Jewelry
- Parts inside automatic watches
Gold
- Bracelets, necklaces
- Rings, earrings
- Watches
Home and Auto
Tin
- Roofing, glass, windows, weather insulator
- Power tools
- Car parts such as: engine parts, gears, pumps, joints, windshields, etc.
- Kitchen utensils
- Water purifiers
Gold
- Catalytic converters
Containers
Tin
- Food/drink product packaging
- Containers for paint, oil, polish, cleaners, etc.
- Gas tanks/radiator heater tanks
Glass
Gold
- Climate controlled buildings
- Ruby colored glass
Other product categories
Tin
- Solar Panels
- Urethane coatings and polyurethane foam production
- Polyester production
Tantalum
- Camera lenses
- Fountain and ballpoint pens
- Laboratory equipment
Tungsten
- Fishing weights
- Golf clubs
- Joints
Lighting
Tungsten
- Filaments in older-style (not energy-saving) electric bulbs
- Halogen tungsten lamps (energy saving)
- Television tubes
- Compact fluorescents (CFLs) in their emitter coils
Tools
Tungsten
- Welding tools
- High-speed cutting tools
- Hardware such as nails, screws, hooks, mounting equipment
The lists above are only a modest example of consumer products that contain 3TG. We acknowledge they are incomplete lists and have selected only these examples for brevity.
How are conflict minerals used in alloys?
Beyond their direct use in consumer products, conflict minerals are integral to various alloys. Alloys, which are mixtures of two or more elements (often metals), enhance material properties like strength, durability, or resistance to wear. Common alloys incorporating 3TG include:
- Bronze (tin + copper)
- Solder (tin + lead)
- Pewter (85-99% tin, 5-10% antimony, 2% copper)
- Steel (some heavy-duty steel may contain tantalum or tungsten)
Global conflict minerals reporting requirements
Conflict minerals can enter a company’s supply chain at any stage, making vigilance essential to avoid sourcing materials linked to conflict and human rights abuses. To promote responsible sourcing of 3TG, regulations such as the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017/821) and the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act (Section 1502) mandate due diligence on mineral origins and sourcing practices. Non-compliance not only risks reputational damage but also legal penalties. By understanding these requirements and adopting responsible sourcing practices, companies can safeguard their operations and stay ahead of compliance challenges.
Learn more about navigating conflict minerals compliance in our blog.
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