Conflict Minerals and Consumer Electronics

Yes, it should.

This idea is great if possible to implement globally. It should also be applied to any contry that has conflict with its neighbours and does not seek to reach a peaceful and humane solution that respects the human rights charter in all its aspect: No restrictions to any part of the world! Otherwise not interested in selective implementations or sifting of the results/ranking.

Diamonds are scoursed this way too, but the main problem with the Congo is that white man has plundered and raped this country, especially the Belgians!

I worked in the Congo in 1978, and I saw at first hand what the white man has done to this country, and the population now are at war with each other to gain access to the countries riches, these they shall take control of themselves, because they are totally pissed off with being screwed by us the white men!

I agree that all minerals and such should be traded under a contract of fair trade, but at the moment that is not 100% possible in most of the third world?

Xanasax.

And the dictators that are currently in control there are what color?

Well brave Sir Robin, it matters not what the colour of the dictators are in Africa as long as they are, not white!

Before one can talk about Africa you have to have worked in some of the African countries, I have, and I have seen with my own eyes what big congomerates have done in and to these countries.

We should stay out of Africa and it's affairs, and let them settle their own differences, I have seen how big companies have poisoned the drinking water near a copper mine in the Congo (it was called Zaire in those days), many of the children died a horrible death because of the poisoned waters!

If the world wants the rescources that Africa holds I only hope that the go the right way about it, and clean up after them?

Xanasax

You confuse me.

I think it's interesting enough for me to read the list of rankings, and yes, I will be thinking about that when I'm looking for something to buy.

But I can't help wondering, is this going to be enough to pull Congo out of violence? That is the problem. Boycotts and sanctions imposed by governments are sufficient to stop goods from flowing and produce a real effect. The voluntary avoidance approach has a different strategic profile.

Markets will still be available although they become fewer; the conflict materials will lose market value, but will still make it to the market at reduced price. So the unscrupulous electronics firms will actually stand to benefit at Congo's expense by getting a better deal on the goods. Warring over resources might just as well intensify because they need to sell more to obtain the same return.

It will be very sad for the Congo if they continue to fight until the last non-renewable resource has been sold at rock bottom.