What is Conflict Metal?

Conflict metals refer to metals such as gold (Au), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), and tin (Sn), which come from mining areas in conflict areas controlled by non-governmental military groups or non-military factions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Illegal mining profits made by local military groups are stolen from citizens and cause human rights violations and environmental degradation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.