Conflict Minerals: Sexual Violence and Conflict Minerals: International Demand Fuels Cycle

Jun 18, 2014 | Zainab Hawa Bangura, The Guardian
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Gold, tungsten, tantalum and tin: these are raw materials that you may never think about, but they are the link between our most common electronic devices and conflicts across the world.

These minerals make our cell phones vibrate, help our camera batteries hold a charge, and power our laptops. They also help fund wars by providing a source of income for armed groups.

In 2013, rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo generated almost $1bn from minerals (pdf) extracted from mines in conflict zones. And armed groups use these profits from this trade to pay soldiers, buy weapons and attract new recruits. The cash flow from conflict minerals is crucial to the war effort, and combatants are willing to use brutality to obtain minerals.