A federal appeals court heard oral arguments...from supporters and opponents of a rule requiring companies this year to report on to what extent their products use “conflict minerals” from the Democratic Republic of the Congo...“We understand the seriousness of the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and abhor the violence in that country. We believe, however, that the SEC’s corporate disclosure rule is not an effective approach to solving this serious humanitarian challenge,” the three business groups said...“Global Witness said the appeal is a “shameful attempt” by the business groups to gut the law...Despite the appeal, many companies have worked to check their aupply networks and meet the May 31 reporting deadline, Global Witness said.