Conflict Minerals 101

Congo's conflict minerals leave a trail of destruction as they make their way from the mines in eastern Congo to the mobile phone in your pocket. How does the process work? What is the human cost? What can consumers do to help end the violence being fueled by Congo's illicit mineral trade? Enough's John Prendergast breaks it all down.

Visit www.raisehopeforcongo.org to find out how you can help end the world's deadliest war in the Congo.

Video directed and produced by Robert Padavick. Editing and animation by Jeff Trussell.

Copyright 2009 Center for American Progress.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• congo
• conflict minerals
• africa
• technology
• cell phone
• gadget
• war

[thomasarnestrand]

No one is asking that you boycott anything, simply that you express a desire to the manufacturers of your electronic goods that you would like to buy a conflict free product when it becomes available, as stated in the video.

A similar campaign led to the Kimberley Process which effectively ended diamond related conflict, again as stated in the video. Did you actually watch it?

[shutyourpiehole]

Thank you for this. Awareness is always the first and most important step.

[nzncspr]

@theywarnedus it's not just americans that use these electronics devices you know. Everyone needs to be more awake and stand up for Africa

[OfficialKOABMedia]

i just wrote a paper on this just from this video. Thank you so much!! Im definitely going to let everyone know about this..thats horrible what they do

[theywarnedus]

Enough is enough....AMERICANS need to be more awake and aware and stand up for AFRICA.......if that shit was happening here in america....think about it....disgusting

[unkalifornication]

wow i feel horrible. i have a dell and an iphone. im definitely helping in any way that I can. im gonna start buying conflict free products from now on. glad i saw this now.

[ycochavi69]

we have to somthing about this its tearing our world apart

[SkillzUnknown]

i felt bad watching this on my laptop with my blackberry next to me and my xbox 360 and tv in front of me....damn i didnt know things were like that

[schrameijer]

I sent the 21 company email and got this response from Nintendo:

"(..) Nintendo does not purchase any metals as raw materials. As a remote purchaser that buys finished components made from many materials, Nintendo requires its suppliers to comply with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Procurement Guidelines, which stipulate suppliers comply with applicable laws, have respect for human rights, and conduct their business in an appropriate and fair manner."

[loaudlgahds]

Is there a petition anywhere we can sign?

[Corundem]

I think this is a great idea, i honestly do, but what materials do you think we replace them with (or what other location can we find them).

[HypatiaRose]

Thank you for the videos; I and others greatly appreciate your organization's work and awareness-building. I know I will renew my commitment to take better care of my electronic devices and hold on to them longer before upgrading in resistance to perceived obsolescence. I do have one request: For the sake of the hearing-impaired and others, could a volunteer please provide transcripts on Enough's website or add closed captioning to future videos? Thank you.