EP votes for mandatory rules on 'conflict minerals'

The European Parliament (EP) voted Wednesday for mandatory certification of European Union (EU) importers processing minerals from conflict areas.

Under the proposed rules, approved by 402 votes to 118, with 171 abstentions, the EP called for EU firms processing, importing and using tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold to be certified to ensure that they do not fuel conflicts and human rights abuses.

MEPs want to stop war lords in regions such as the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) and the African Great Lakes area from profiting from the sale of minerals and metals.

Voluntary rules on supply chain due diligence have been in place for five years, but more than 80 per cent of companies have chosen not to publish any information on how they obtain supplies.

In March 2014, the European Commission (EC) proposed a self-certification scheme for EU firms, but the EP voted to overturn that proposal and demand tougher laws.

MEPs called for mandatory compliance for 'all EU importers' sourcing minerals in conflict areas. In addition, as many as 880,000 companies in Europe that use tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold in manufacturing consumer products, could be obliged to provide information on how they identify risks in their supply chains for the minerals and metals concerned.

As metal smelters and gold refiners are the last point at which the minerals' origin can be effectively traced, MEPs voted to go beyond the Commission's 'self-certification' approach and call for smelters and refiners to undergo a compulsory, independent, third-party audit to check their due diligence practices.

However, before the proposals are written into legislation they could face tough resistance by EU Member State governments who fear it could place too great a burden on businesses that buy minerals from conflict areas.

Gianni Pittella, president of the EP's Socialists & Democrats (S&D) group, said the vote marked "a special day".

"All those who fight for the respect of human rights over multinational interests have won," he said. "The people of the DRC and all areas affected by war and violence have won."

S&D spokesperson on conflict minerals Marie Arena added: "The regulation voted through today is a historic victory that puts respect for human rights above the profit of companies. Europe can become a pioneer in the field of ethical economy."

However, Business Europe, which represents business associations across the EU, said it was "deeply disappointed" by the vote.

In a statement, Markus J. Beyrer, Business Europe's director general, said the vote was "based on emotions, ignoring facts and lessons learned on the implementation of product-based due diligence approaches".

"Unfortunately, the system, as voted by the plenary session of the EP is neither workable for business operators, nor going to provide concrete solutions for the conflicts on the ground," he commented. Endit