mobileu.co.uk

Mobile phone manufacturers urged to check their sources

Mobile phone manufacturers are coming under increased pressure to stop using 'blood minerals', mined illegally in Central Africa, in their mobile phones.

Minerals – including tin, tantalum and tungsten – mined out of conflict-riddled countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, are now used in most mobile phone parts. The processes through which they are extracted are often barbaric and proceeds from them are controlled by local militia and used to fund conflicts.

A new US law is now requiring all electrical manufacturers to prove the sources of their components, and human rights activists are calling on manufacturers across the globe to follow suit.

Global Witness, the international conflict observer, reports that rebels, militias and army units have hijacked the trade in mineral ores from the eastern Congo. They say the civilian population has been subject to massacres, forced labour and recruitment of child soldiers.

Apple boss, Steve Jobs, has said every manufacturer is trying to make sure that their commodities are sourced properly, but that it is an exceptionally grey and muddled area.

"We require all of our suppliers to certify in writing that they use conflict few materials," he said. "But honestly, there is no way for them to be sure. Until someone invents a way to chemically trace minerals from the source mine, it’s a very difficult problem."