As discussed before on this site, the demands of the ever growing electronics industry has made the Democratic Republic of Congo into a brutal battle field, as militant groups fight over possession of the vast riches in the country.

Minerals excavated from Congolese earth are used particularly in the batteries of mobile phones, portable music devices and laptops. And there doesn’t seem to be an end to market growth.

Minerals extracted from the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo have been dubbed “conflict minerals” or “blood metals”.

More transparency

Last week the US senate passed a bill on regulations in the financial sector in the aftermath of the global economical crisis. Only very few reporters seemed to pick up on the bill’s inclusion of a little advertised amendment aiming to improve transparency and reduce trade in conflict minerals from Congo.

The law affects companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange, which means many foreign companies (including Finland’s own Nokia) is going to start monitoring the minerals they use in production more carefully.

While NGO’s hail this bill as a welcome improvement, some concerns were raised on securing the livelihoods of Congolese people currently employed in the mines. Some fear that if mineral exports decline, unempoyed miners are likely to join militant groups.

Most dangerous place on earth

Over five million people have already died as a result of the battles over mineral riches in Congo. Militant groups also use systematic sexual violence as a weapon in the war.

The UN has been quoted stating that eastern Congo is the most dangerous place on earth for women and girls at the moment.

Please take a look at Raise Hope for Congo. A campaign that aims to protect and empower Congolese women and girls.

Photo by Fizzr through Flickr Creative Commons