[clug] [OT] Rwandan Gorillas, coltan and computers

[steve jenkin]

I thought a reasonable number of the group might be interested in this.
Before this, I knew about 'conflict diamonds', but hadn't heard of the
illegal trade of minerals - tantalum.
Didn't realise either that Oz is major supplier.

Wikipedia:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coltan>

This piece was on ABC RN Breakfast this morning (audio avail):
<http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2009/2564224.htm>

"Mobile phones, DVD players and playstations contain a metal extracted
from the mineral coltan (columbite-tantalite) and the worldwide demand
for it has led to rampant spread of illegal mining in the areas of
central Africa and to the destruction of the gorilla habitat. This week
the Jane Goodall Institute launched a campaign aimed at protecting the
gorillas and reducing demand for coltan"
-- 
Steve Jenkin, Info Tech, Systems and Design Specialist.
0412 786 915 (+61 412 786 915)
PO Box 48, Kippax ACT 2615, AUSTRALIA

sjenkin at canb.auug.org.au http://members.tip.net.au/~sjenkin