It’s finally here! The SEC voted 3-2 to adopt the final rule for “Conflict Minerals” Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which attempts to inhibit the ability of armed groups in the Congo to fund their activities by exploiting the trade in tin, tantalum, tungsten or gold. We welcome the rule despite it being issued a year and a half late and its shortcomings, such as the 2 to 4 year phase-in period for companies to disclose where their “indeterminable” minerals come from. Regardless, it represents a significant milestone toward transparency to the impact of the materials hidden inside of our consumer products and many have hopes it will help bring an end to the on-going violent conflict in the Congo. See the final rule here >>>.
