What are conflict minerals?• Economically-significant minerals mined

in regions of conflict– Associated with military/gang rule– Associated with human rights violations

• These minerals are often vital to the manufacture of electronics

The minerals:

• Columbite/tantalite (COLTAN)• Ores of tantalum (and niobium)

• Wolframite• Ore of tungsten

• Cassiterite• Ore of tin

• Gold• Ore of gold

“3 T’s and gold”

“Coltan”Columbite-tantaliteOres of Nb and Ta

“Wolframite” (Ferberite-hubneriteseries)Ore of tungsten

Cassiterite (tin ore)

Gold (ore of gold)

Uses

• Columbite/tantalite (tantalum and niobium)– Capacitors in many electronic devices, jet engines

(turbine blades), cutting tools

• Cassiterite (tin)– Solder for electronics, tin cans, biocides + fungicides

• Wolframite (tungsten)– Tools, cell-phones, ammunition (sub. for lead)

• Gold– Electronics, jewelry, dental products

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010)

• Section 1502 contains language that requires electronics manufacturers to verify the source of mined materials

• Coltan (Nb and Ta), wolframite (tungsten), cassiterite (tin), gold

• Particularly ones from Africa and the D.R.C.

Minerals as natural resources

• Many minerals are vital natural resources

• Huge issues exist with using minerals– Sustainability– Environmental impact–Health effects

©Jonathan Zander

Mining Wastes/impact

• Environmental impact from mining operations is an increasingly significant issue.– Acid Mine Drainage–Management of tailings (wastes)– Contamination of surface and

groundwater– Alteration of landscapes and

ecosystems

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© Spencer Musick

© Natural Resources Canada

Health issues