The term "conflict minerals" referred to four minerals-tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold-which are mined in nations around the planet, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These minerals, occasionally called the "3TG" minerals, were used in many businesses for various functions. The electronics industry was a major user of the "3 T's" and gold. Tungsten, for instance, also created the vibrating alert and was used in the displays of cells. Tantalum carried the battery charge in a cell or tablet computer, was vital to the exchange of text messages and e-mails, and was a component of cellphone camera lenses.
The conflict minerals dilemma dated to the early 2000s but public understanding took years following the attempts of authority’s organizations such as the Enough Project. Intel started working on the issue in 2008, ran its first conflict minerals supply chain survey in 2009. Intel promised the manufacture of microprocessors tantalum originated from conflict-free supply chains by the year 2012 and to make the first commercially available microprocessor that is DRC conflict free by 2013 for all four metals; it achieved both goals. Intel's choice to address the battle minerals problem head-on was one of the first big successes of the movement; the policies Intel implemented to get conflict-free minerals went beyond what Dodd-Frank required.
PUBLICATION DATE: June 18, 2015 PRODUCT #: ETH5-HCB-ENG
This is just an excerpt. This case is about TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS
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