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  • Conflict Coltan

  • This is a discussion that concerns all electronics manufacturers - especially cell phone makers. Coltan is an ore that is contains tantalum, a metal that is used in cell phones and electronics. It is commonly mined in Congo and often under terrible conditions. Much like blood diamonds, demand for this mineral is causing human exploitation and fueling conflict in war-torn areas. There are several articles that discuss this. Here is one I found to be balanced and informative: http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/nov2008/gb20081117_671426.htm To Apple's credit, they address the issue here: http://www.apple.com/supplierresponsibility/change.html But, the demand, not just the direct purchase, makes this mineral valuable. The value and high price makes "conflict coltan" more profitable and, therefore, ensures that these human rights violations will continue and, possibly, increase.
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  • Blood Minerals

  • The fact that we as a nation are relying on these blood minerals like coltan is just despicable, and even more so that people are forced into slave labor by our demand. This demand is so powerful that is has even superseded the infamous blood diamonds that efrondt mentions. How can something so arcane still be happening in the world, and how can we allow ourselves and Apple to make a profit on such grievous human rights violations, not to mention fueling guerilla warfare and costing lives? Unless we can find a viable solution, this situation will only get worse, especially with the release of the new iPhone last week and the constant demand for iPods and cellphones.
  • What do you think? join the conversation or reply to the original topic here "Conflict Coltan"