July 22, 2010

Companies that source minerals or metal originating from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must conduct due diligence to ensure that they are not causing harm.

A recent report, "Do No Harm," stated that companies must put in place certain procedures to prevent either direct or indirect involvement with serious human rights abuses and other crimes. These include: a conflict minerals policy; supply chain risk assessments, including on the ground checks on suppliers; remedial action to deal with any problems identified; independent third party audits; and public reporting.

Global Witness, a UK-based non-governmental organization that investigates the role of natural resources in funding conflict and corruption around the world, produced the report.

Full report. (Global Witness)