Conflict Free Tin Initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Press statement

BRUSSELS – Sept. 18, 2012 – Industry partners convened by the Dutch government today announced their intention to start a conflict-free tin sourcing program in South Kivu, an eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This happened during the GeSI and EICC Conflict-Free Minerals Workshop attended by over 175 stakeholders representing Industry, Governments and Civil Society.

The Conflict-Free Tin Initiative aims to create demand for conflict-free tin from a region whose economy has collapsed due to series of severe internal and cross-border conflicts. Armed groups in the East of the DRC are known to control or tax minerals trade as a source of revenue. Read the full statement here; courtesy of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Environment, Water, Climate and Energy department.  Also read:

• From Congress to Congo: Turning the Tide on Conflict Minerals, Closing Loopholes, and Empowering Miners
• Full disclosure: How SEC’s conflict mineral rule could affect you
• Summary of the Final SEC Rules on Conflict Minerals