1. What are conflict minerals? Economically-significant minerals mined in regions of conflict – Associated with military/gang rule – Associated with human rights violations These minerals are often vital to the manufacture of electronics

3. The minerals: Columbite/tantalite (COLTAN) Ores of tantalum (and niobium) Wolframite Ore of tungsten Cassiterite Ore of tin Gold Ore of gold “3 T’s and gold”

4. “Coltan” Columbite-tantalite Ores of Nb and Ta “Wolframite” (Ferberite-hubnerite series) Ore of tungsten Cassiterite (tin ore) Gold (ore of gold)

5. Uses Columbite/tantalite (tantalum and niobium) – Capacitors in many electronic devices, jet engines (turbine blades), cutting tools Cassiterite (tin) – Solder for electronics, tin cans, biocides + fungicides Wolframite (tungsten) – Tools, cell-phones, ammunition (sub. for lead) Gold – Electronics, jewelry, dental products

8. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010) Section 1502 contains language that requires electronics manufacturers to verify the source of mined materials Coltan (Nb and Ta), wolframite (tungsten), cassiterite (tin), gold Particularly ones from Africa and the D.R.C.

9. Minerals as natural resources Many minerals are vital natural resources Huge issues exist with using minerals – Sustainability – Environmental impact – Health effects

12. Mining Wastes/impact Environmental impact from mining operations is an increasingly significant issue. – Acid Mine Drainage – Management of tailings (wastes) – Contamination of surface and groundwater – Alteration of landscapes and ecosystems

14. Health issues