European Conservative and Reformist Group (ECR) MEPs have helped
shape a new regulation to stop the financing of armed groups
through trade in minerals.
Initial discussions pushed for a de facto embargo on high risk
areas that could have forced some mines to close, throwing miners
out of work. Conservative MEPs negotiated a more balanced system
that will help ensure conflict minerals do not finance armed
groups while protecting local miners and their families. The
European Parliament has endorsed this approach today.
Emma McClarkin MEP, who as shadow rapporteur took the lead on
this report for the ECR Group said: “The action we are taking
aims to stop conflict minerals aiding armed groups and terrorists
in high risk areas. It is important we recognise the problem and
do all we can to alleviate it without overburdening companies and
forcing them to pull out completely of these areas. That would be
detrimental to the livelihoods of families in some of our poorest
regions."
The regulation will cover 95% of all imports of tin, tantalum,
tungsten and gold into the EU. These elements are used for
consumer electronic products, cars and in jewellery.
Ms McClarkin added: “We want consumers and businesses to be able
to buy products with confidence. That's why we are taking this
action to stop the trade in conflict minerals while we work
alongside governments in the affected areas to find long term
solutions to end the conflict".
The law will require that all importers, smelters and refiners
using these minerals must perform due diligence, with a view to
ensuring that the imports have not been used to finance
conflicts. Finally, the measures will ensure that small companies
that are importing tiny amounts of the covered minerals and
metals are not burdened unnecessarily.
