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.
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.
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.
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The lists above are only a modest example of consumer products that contain 3TG. We acknowledge they are incomplete lists and have selected these examples for brevity.
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:
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.
Understanding the complexities of responsibly sourcing minerals can be a time-consuming challenge. Conflict minerals regulations impact a wide range of products, making it difficult to determine the right compliance solution for your business. Our responsible sourcing solution covers conflict minerals, extended minerals, and additional minerals of concern, meeting a variety of compliance needs.
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