Coltan (Columbite-Tantalite

Mining: Global Sources: Australia, Ethiopia, MozambiqueConflict: Congo DRC

Geography of the Trade: Global and Local

Mining

· Gorilla habitat in Africa is quickly disappearing because of coltan mining, a mineral used to make batteries for electronics. Recycling cell phones or laptops may contribute to gorilla conservation.

Environmental Destruction: Forest Clearing, Habitat destruction, Reserves invasion, Sluice Mining and water contamination

What to do? Recycle?

Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo

Victor Bout

General Laurent Nkunda

What to do? Identify contributors?

What to do: Manage Prices?

Source: Pole Institute, Congo DRC

Issue: Mineral mining a majorSource of Congolese income

What to do? Certification via the Kimberley Process?Also used for ‘blood’ diamonds, etc. An European Union certificate of ‘conflict free’ productWhat about the environment?Critique: Voluntary Self-RegulationGerman CTC (Certified Trading Chains): German and Congolese GovtPartnersEnglish: ITRI (Tin Supply Chain Initiative): cassiterite, also voluntaryWorld Bank: local market initiatives to work with artesanal miningAlternative: Organic Food style governmental certification?