Conflict Minerals in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been plagued with the problem of civil conflict for over a century, driven by the greed for natural resources including tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold also known as conflict minerals. The conflict is dominated by multiple armed groups, many of whom use brutal violence or force, including mass rape to intimidate and take control local populations hence allowing them access to plunder the mines.
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Did you know? |
The vast amount of technology companies do not know where their raw material is sourced and it is possible that the materials in our devices, whether, smartphones, tablet or computer monitor are used to fuel this conflict.
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Slave Labour |
Additionally forced labour and child labour are a major issue in the mines of DRC, where various minerals are mined. DRC has an abundance of essential materials needed to make technology including copper which is commonly used to make electronic components, while cobalt is essential to make battries.
It is reported that up to 40% of the two million people working in these mines are children. These children receive very little pay and work in extremely unsafe conditions where mines are prone to collapsing and mines are often found to be unlicensed and unregulated. As a result illness, injury, disability and even death are common |