Enough Calls on Tech and Jewelry Companies to Step Up In Conflict-Free Trade

Sep 24, 2013 10:15 AM ET
Campaign: Conflict Minerals

In a recent article from Zoe Lewis and Sasha Lezhnev of Enough, the NGO responds to recent 125th anniversary photography issue of National Geographic magazine.  The special collector’s edition issue highlights a trip to Bavi, a rebel controlled area, and Nyabibwe, a conflict-free area, both in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Marcus Bleasdale and Jeffery Gettleman.

While their story demonstrates the possibility for positive change in the DRC, Lewis and Lezhnev note that there still is much to be done by both industry and American consumers.  Of the numerous industries involved in this trade, jewelry and tech companies still have more work to be done.   Enough suggests that these companies should help build up the conflict-free trade by joining programs already in place such as the Public-Private Alliance on Responsible Minerals Trade and the Conflict-Free Tin Initiative. 

Some electronics companies began to take such proactive steps even before the legislation was in place, such as Intel and HP.  Others however, have demonstrated resistance to the ruling in hopes of sneaking past the first filling deadline with an unknown declaration. 

Want to find out more about conflict minerals compliance?

Tune into the Virtual Conflict Minerals Symposium | FREE weekly series featuring US State Department, Parliament of Canada, NGOs, Private Industry and more

Click Here to Register

Click Here for a Custom Conflict Minerals Demo