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

[Arjen Lentz]

Hi Steve,

On 08/05/2009, at 12:02 PM, steve jenkin wrote:
> 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"


The stuff is used in quality capacitors, thus pretty much anything  
with basic electronics, doesn't have to be high tech foo.
Indeed Oz is the world's leading supplier.

Wonder if the capacitor manufacturers can be asked where they source  
their raw materials, and so on... not easy.


Cheers,
Arjen.
-- 
Arjen Lentz, Director @ Open Query (http://openquery.com)
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