What are conflict minerals? What are conflict minerals?Apart from diamonds, which have contributed to conflicts in Africa, they include wolframite, cassiterite and coltan, which are fuelling rebellion in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.What are wolframite, cassiterite and coltan used for?Wolframite is the main ingredient in tungsten, a very strong material used in military equipment; cassiterite is the most important component of tin and can also be used as a gemstone; coltan is a source of tantalum, used in consumer electronics.How are they contributing to the DRC conflict?Areas in the eastern DRC where these minerals are found are controlled by militia groups who, sometimes hand- in-hand with the Congolese army, use vicious methods to compel local people to work in the mines. The minerals produced are ultimately sold to global manufacturing groups, according to a Global Witness report in July 2009. Money from these minerals provides the warring facti...
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