The European Union has agreed on a framework to stop the financing of armed groups through trade in gold and other resources from conflict zones. Key points:
obligations for upstream part of the Conflict Minerals supply chain importing metals & minerals to the EU (including smelters and refiners)
binding on importers of raw materials, finished or semi-finished products / components not affected
small volume importers are exempted from these obligations
worldwide geographical scope
European Commission will carry out other measures to boost supply chain due due diligence by EU downstream companies
final adoption of the regulation in the coming months
Learn more in the official press release of the European Commission.