Tackling the trade in conflict minerals
Press Release from EFA MEP Jill Evans
The European Parliament voted today on a draft law to break the link between mineral extraction and the financing of armed groups in areas of conflict. Profits from the so-called "conflict minerals" fuel further violence and killing.
The law covers four minerals: gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten and would require importers of these "conflict minerals" into the EU to declare their origin, helping to end their use.
The European Commission proposed that this should be a voluntary scheme, but this has been tried and failed in the past. The Parliament today voted for a mandatory scheme, similar to that already adopted in the United States.
The next step is for this issue to be agreed on by the Member State government ministers with the Parliament and Commission so it can be put into practice.
Speaking after the vote in Strasbourg, Jill Evans MEP said:
"I welcome this important step forward towards eradicating conflict minerals.
"What we support - and which was passed today - is full coverage of the supply chain. This will give accountability and binding regulation on everything from mine to consumer - whether it be the process of extracting the minerals, or the smartphones or laptops that they end up in.
"Self-regulation is not effective in eliminating conflict minerals. We need legislation that covers the whole supply chain, ensuring transparency and accountability.
"I am pleased that we adopted binding rules, and voted to ensure these rules will not just apply to a limited number of firms that import raw materials. It is essential that companies in the supply chain are covered so that the goods we all use as consumers are included.
"I thank very much the many constituents who contacted me calling for a strong law. I am proud that people in Wales are concerned about international issues and are active in working for peace and justice."
