In March, The EU Commission will present a voluntary scheme aimed at preventing the import of minerals from conflict zones, covering gold, tungsten, tantalum and tin and in line with international guidelines. Conflict mineral zones include the DRC and neighbouring countries, such as Angola and South Sudan, based on a US definition. These countries make up 17% of the global production of tantalum, 4% of tin, 3% of tungsten and 2% of gold. It is also likely that the scope of the scheme will be extended to other conflict zones, such as Myanmar or Afghanistan.
Under the draft voluntary scheme shipments of minerals could be accompanied by a certificate to guarantee that they are conflict-free; criteria still have to be defined.
