"Sourcing practices changing as US law on mineral imports takes hold", 2 Oct 2014

For decades, the trade in tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold…has played a central role in funding and fuelling some of the world’s most brutal conflicts…Section 1502 of the Dodd Frank Act…is the first piece of legislation that aims to break the links between the lucrative minerals trade in certain African regions and…abusive armed groups…[T]he law requires SEC-listed companies to examine their supply chains to determine if they manufacture or contract other companies to manufacture products that contain conflict minerals…The first reports under Section 1502 were filed in June this year, covering the first year of implementation…The legislation has led to many companies being more critical about their supply chains and has catalysed important reforms…As US firms get to grips with their minerals- sourcing practices, questions are being asked along supply chains, resulting in customers also asking their suppliers where their minerals are sourced…