Conflict Coltan
Skip content17 May 2006. The components controlling the flow of electricity in mobile phones are composed of a refined mineral known as Coltan. With more and more people using mobile phones the demand for Coltan has increased significantly.
The largest reserves of Coltan are to be found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and much of the finance sustaining the civil wars in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is directly connected to Coltan profits. Some rebel groups have made $20 million per month selling Coltan to industry buyers. The United Nations reports child labour in Africa has significantly increased in Coltan mines. In some regions of the Congo, about 30 percent of schoolchildren are now forced to work in the mines.
Mobile phone manufacturers state that they only buy Coltan from legitimate mining operations, but in reality it is well nigh impossible to trace the origin of supplies. One of the main Coltan mining areas in the Congo is the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorilla. Clearing of ground to make mining Coltan easier has led to the gorilla population reducing significantly.
Recycling and reusing mobile phones reduces the need to mine more Coltan. We can accept mobile phones for recycling and reuse, and not only will you be helping the environment, you’ll also be raising funds for ActionAid.
You can register and request Freepost Bags by visiting www.mobileamnesty.co.uk
