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Coopers Needle Works ltd
Conflict Minerals
Stainless Steels Role
While stainless steel might not immediately spring to mind when discussing conflict minerals, it's important to understand the broader supply chain. Stainless steel production involves various raw materials, including ferroalloys. These ferroalloys can contain elements like tantalum, which is often sourced from conflict-affected areas.
Human Rights
Conflict minerals are often sourced from regions where workers face dangerous conditions, low wages, and limited rights. Child labour and forced labour are common practices in these areas. The profits from these minerals often fund armed groups and perpetuate conflict, further exacerbating human rights abuses. Ethical sourcing helps protect these workers.
Fuelling Conflict
The revenue generated from conflict minerals often funds armed groups, prolonging wars and destabilizing entire regions. By choosing suppliers committed to ethical sourcing, we can help reduce the demand for conflict minerals, depriving these armed groups of the funding they need to continue their destructive activities.
Economic Impact
Conflict and instability in mineral-rich regions can hinder economic development, disrupt supply chains, and increase business risks. By choosing suppliers committed to ethical sourcing, we can help reduce the demand for minerals sourced from these regions, contributing to a more stable and prosperous global economy.
Environmental Damage
Many mining practices associated with conflict minerals can have devastating environmental consequences, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. By choosing suppliers committed to ethical sourcing, we can help reduce the demand for minerals sourced from these destructive practices.
Coopers Needle Works
Supporting ethical business and choosing suppliers carefully is crucial in the context of conflict minerals. By selecting suppliers who prioritise ethical sourcing, we can help to reduce the demand for minerals mined in conflict zones. This helps to disrupt the flow of funds to armed groups, reduce human rights abuses, and protect the environment. By making informed choices, we can contribute to a more just and sustainable world.
Additional Resources
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Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI): A leading industry initiative focused on responsible sourcing of minerals. They provide guidance, tools, and resources for companies to implement responsible sourcing practices.
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Global Witness: A non-profit organization that investigates and exposes corruption and environmental abuse, including the links between minerals and conflict.
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Conflict Minerals Campaign: A UK-based campaign group focused on ensuring that minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) benefit the people of the DRC.