[T]he European Commission and the European External Action Service are jointly considering a possible EU initiative on the responsible sourcing of minerals originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas...To this end, they are exploring potential new policy options to assist resource-rich developing countries and to promote due diligence by focusing on the transparency of the supply chain of minerals. At the same time, [they] are looking into possible appropriate incentives to sustain trade and allow for continued EU access to these mineral markets. Responsible behaviour by companies operating in conflict-affected or high-risk areas can indeed play a powerful and positive socio-economic role since supply chain initiatives are an essential component of the comprehensive approach needed to address the linkages between natural resources and conflict.