Time to act on conflict minerals

Gold panning - Hero

Source: © Science Photo Library

We must end the human cost of tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold

Well-managed extraction and trade of minerals can offer communities livelihoods and a route to development. But too often they are mismanaged, denying local communities and miners their fair share of profits – which instead end up in the wrong hands. For decades, the minerals trade has bank-rolled conflict, lined the pockets of corrupt elites and inflicted untold damage on our environment and human rights the world over. We have spent enough time dragging our feet. It’s time for business as usual to mean responsible business.