Automakers Drafting Strategies For Conflict Minerals

Auto makers and suppliers have until Jan. 31 to make comments or submit recommendations aimed at establishing regulations to weed out ill-gotten materials from today’s new vehicles.

Many materials are considered “conflict minerals” by the industries that use them, as well as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The term refers to tantalum, tin, gold, tungsten and other materials mined in nations plagued by socioeconomic strife, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Some mines in these countries use forced labor or employ underage workers, who often are exposed to unsafe conditions.

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dbtimes1 - 12/28/2010 11:04:43 PM

0 Boost

If the powers that be decide oil is a conflict mineral then I guess we can stop making automobiles . . . ! We can all then live in peace and harmony and the world will be ok . . .! Right!

fit4life - 12/29/2010 12:31:22 AM

-1 Boost

Most of the worlds supply of rare earth minerals now come from China. China not only has the largest stock pile of them, but also the largest natural reverve yet to be mined. The U.S. used to be the largest supplier but the U.S. mine was shut down due to China being able to produce them much cheaper. No matter which country an auto manufacturor is located in, eventually they will all have to buy from China to procure the needed minerals.

MorePower - 12/29/2010 7:47:03 PM

+1 Boost

You must have forgotten about the geological report on Afghanistan. We should also not forget that there are large portions of the planet that have not been explored and exploited.

WorldofLuxury - 12/30/2010 4:31:21 AM

+1 Boost

Let them recycle all the good stuff from Cash for Clunkers!!!