The international trade in conflict minerals: coltan

Purpose – This paper seeks to explicate issues of harm to humanity caused by the mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of coltan, a conflict mineral used in the manufacture of mobile phones and other devices. It seeks to develop remedies and draw an end to a particularized form of human suffering in the DRC (a significant supplier of the mineral) where in its easternmost regions coltan fuels a long‐standing war and unremitting atrocities. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is presented in six sections: Introduction, Background and regional parties, The scramble, Resource curse, Approaches and alternatives, and Conclusion. It is based on primary sources accruing from more than a decade in which the author worked and resided in the Great Lakes region of Africa, initially as a UN Attorney in Rwanda (1994‐1995), and subsequently as Director/Attorney of an international human rights and humanitarian non‐profit organization (1996‐2005). Further work has been undertaken in Europe between 2005 and the present. The paper additionally employs secondary materials and explores the regional, historical, political and economic contexts necessary for effective understanding of the relevant issues. Findings – The central issue is whether remedies are available to halt the negative consequences procurement of minerals in developing regions has on local and regional populations. The specific concern is whether the cell phone industry can ensure that it is not using a mineral that causes vast bloodshed including war and violations of human rights, and how a conflict that has already caused suffering of historical dimension can be brought to a halt. Manufacturers to date cannot provide assurances. Several key issues, insights, approaches and solutions could change the status quo and conceivably end long‐standing conditions of war. This paper sets them forth. Practical implications – An entire industry could change the way it does business if the problems that are the subject of this paper are dealt with effectively, whether by the means suggested here or additional measures. Millions of people bearing the brunt of a deadly trade could find relief, ending large‐scale human suffering in a forsaken region. A substantial reduction in crimes against humanity and war crimes can be realized. Working conditions, substandard in the extreme, can improve for miners. A precedent can be set without imposing undue hardships on the industry – a benefit to the industry and consumers. Originality/value – The paper relies foremost on direct experience in the relevant regions covering a period of 17 years. It presents several novel approaches to solving the core problem. It suggests solutions for governing bodies and industry and actions an individual may personally adopt to effectively address a problem of global dimension.