Proposal on responsible trading strategy for minerals from conflict zones

The European Commission put forward on 5 March 2014 a proposal establishing an integrated approach to tackle profits from trading minerals being used to fund armed conflicts.

The measures aime to make it more difficult for armed groups in conflict-affected and high-risk areas to finance their activities through the mining of and trade in minerals. The focus of the approach is to make it easier for companies to source tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold responsibly and to encourage legitimate trading channels.

The launch of the proposal had reportedly been delayed, according to media sources in late 2013.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/14/157, 05.03.14: Responsible sourcing of minerals originating conflict-affected and high-risk areas: towards an integrated EU approach http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-157_en.htm

European Commission: DG Communication: STATEMENT/14/50, 05.03.14: EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht: Ensuring minerals from conflict zones are sourced responsibly http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-50_en.htm

EUObserver, 04.06.14: [Opinion] New MEPs must tackle conflict minerals http://euobserver.com/opinion/124456

EurActiv, 04.03.14: EU drafts conflict minerals law, with opt-in clause http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/europe-opts-weak-conflict-minera-news-533877

EurActiv, 06.02.14: EU readies voluntary conflict minerals scheme http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/eu-readies-voluntary-conflict-mi-news-533314

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