The term "conflict minerals" is used to describe certain minerals such as gold, wolframite, casserite, columbite-tantalite and their derivative metals, which include tin, tungsten, tantalum and any other compounds designated by the U.S. Secretary of State that are sourced from mines under the control of violent forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or the surrounding countries. Tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold and their derivatives are used in numerous automotive components with various applications.
New U.S. legislation requires all publicly traded manufacturing companies to report annually to the SEC whether they use conflict minerals that are "necessary to the functionality or production" of a product that they either manufacture, or contract to be manufactured. The intention is to cut the funding to armed groups that commit violent human rights violations in eastern DRC.
The automotive industry fully supports the intent of the legislation and is investigating ways to ensure that the parts and assemblies in vehicles and products, regardless of where they are assembled or sold, do not contain conflict minerals which have contributed to the armed conflict in Central Africa.
Cooperation from the supply chain will be necessary to determine whether products and assemblies contain conflict minerals. Clear understanding and accurate reporting can only be achieved through both engagement and transparency of the supply chain.
In order to support accurate reporting, suppliers should:
- Determine which parts/assemblies incorporate one or more of the identified minerals or their derivatives;
- Map the supply chains associated with those same parts/assemblies; and
- Engage with suppliers to identify the smelters used in the supply chain to process the raw materials (or validate the origin of materials as recycled/scrap).
To view complete position statement,
click here.
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For more information on Training:
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iPoint Conflict Minerals Website and Training
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Program Manager:
Tanya Bolden
- AIAG (248) 213-4646
Co-Chair: Mr. Marc E. Robling - Robert Bosch LLC
Co-Chair: Mr. Morris Brown - Chrysler Group LLC
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