“Conflict Minerals” are minerals containing tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold such as cassiterite, columbrite-tantalite, coltan, and wolframite which originate in countries of conflict including: Angola, Burundi, Congo Republic, Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
A significant portion of the profits from mining are used to finance violence campaigns which have resulted in one of the bloodiest conflicts since World War II. In addition to financing violence, the mining operations are also responsible for a high level of child labor in unsafe working conditions.
These minerals mined in and around the Congo are often processed through Uganda, Kenya, and other regional countries and then move to East Asia where they are smelted or chemically processed. These metals typically end up in consumer electronics which are distributed around the world.
Regulations
In an effort to stem the inhumanities associated with the mining and subsequent sale of minerals from the region, the US Congress included a specific section within the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010), sec. 1502.
Within the law, it states “it is the sense of Congress that the exploitation and trade of conflict minerals originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is helping to finance conflict characterized by extreme levels of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly sexual- and gender-based violence, and contributing to an emergency humanitarian situation therein.”
In the United States, companies who report to the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC), who manufacture products that require conflict minerals are required to report whether these minerals originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or in one of their neighboring countries.
For more information you can find the official documentation by selecting the links below:
- Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010), Sec. 1502 Conflict Minerals (www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ203/pdf/PLAW-111publ203.pdf)
- S.E.C. Final Rule on Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act (www.sec.gov/rules/final/2012/34-67716.pdf)
Clinton Aluminum’s Stance
At Clinton Aluminum, one of our 4 core values is “Working Well Together” which includes interacting with integrity and respect for others.
We endeavor to practice overall corporate social responsibility and support the intentions of the Dodd-Frank Act in relation to Conflict Minerals.
It is our earnest hope that the lives of those suffering in central Africa will improve. With this in mind we are committed to selling materials that are conflict free.
Our Products
Based on our best efforts to investigate the sourcing of materials through our extended supply chain, Clinton Aluminum has not and does not knowingly provide products manufactured with material sourced partially or in full from the countries in conflict since January 31, 2013.
We do not alter the chemistry of the metals we provide in any way. Our processes strictly impact the shape of the metals through sawing or other similar physical processes.
For Our Customers
Certifications for conflict minerals are available along with the material test reports provided by our suppliers. These are available on this website or by contacting us directly through your sales contact.
Our Suppliers
It is our expectation that all suppliers and sub-suppliers throughout our supply chain will exercise due-diligence in assuring that all materials provided to Clinton are sourced only from mines and smelters outside the countries of conflict and do not contain any minerals from this region. You must provide certification that the products supplied to Clinton are conflict free.
Concerns
If you have any concerns related to conflict minerals, please contact us.
If you are seeking a source for metals that are conflict free, from a company that cares about global sustainability, then please contact us at 800-826-3370 today for a quote.
