April 28, 2011
Dear Sirs,
The conflict minerals, subject to disclosure pursuant to section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, is not clearly defined in my view.
The Act indicates:
(1) section 1502(e)(4)(A): (definition of conflict minerals) "columbite-tantalite (coltan), cassiterite, gold, wolframite,or their derivatives"
(2) section 1502(b)(p)(1)(A)(ii): (defintion of DRC conflict free) "the products that do not contain minerals that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country".
What is then the correct definition of conflict minerals:
1. columbite-tantalite (coltan), cassiterite, gold, wolframite,or their derivatives PER SE originating from the Congo or adjoining countries?
OR
2. columbite-tantalite (coltan), cassiterite, gold, wolframite,or their derivatives originating from the Congo or adjoining countries AND THAT DO NOT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FINANCE OR BENEFIT ARMED GROUPS IN THE CONGO AND AJOINING COUNTRIES?
Kind regards,
Martin J. Bauwens
MJB Consulting