WHAT IS A CONFLICT MINERAL?
Conflict minerals refers specifically to tungsten, tin, tantalum, and gold. Four minerals used in all electronic devices from aeronautics to cell phones. A large supply of these minerals is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – home to the worst human atrocity to take place on planet Earth since WWII. The last 15 years in DRC have witnessed 6 million dead, hundreds of thousands of women raped, and millions more displaced.
HOW ARE THE MINERALS IN MY CELL PHONE/LAPTOP/MP3 PLAYER/ETC. CONNECTED TO THIS HORRIBLE SITUATION?
DRC has been called a geological scandal – in that it is so abundant in natural resources including diamonds, uranium, natural gas, oil, rare woods, and CONFLICT MINERALS. Because these resources are so valuable, rebel groups and corrupt military leaders use abhorrent tactics such as slavery, rape, murder, and robbery to control them. They then profit by millions of dollars by selling these minerals into the international market – where they eventually wind up in our electronic devices.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT AN ATROCITY ON SUCH A MASS SCALE?
The first and most important thing that anyone can ever do is work to understand the causes of such a situation. The numbers themselves are too overwhelming – but when as humans we begin to understand the dynamics of a situation, then the numbers become less horrific and more tragic. Tragic in that they never needed to be. Along with understanding – you can take action: an action as simple as supporting our film. Or support one of the many great organizations dealing with DRC: The Enough Project, Jewish World Watch, and Global Witness. Electronics companies make products that sell. If enough people demand a “CONFLICT MINERAL FREE” device, the electronics companies will make one, forcing them to adopt and support the OECD guidelines for proper due-diligence in mineral extraction from the DRC.
HOW CAN I SEE YOUR FILM?
First, help me get it finished. Funding films is tricky, especially in these times. But we’ve received tremendous support from the $25 - $150.00 supporters, and that makes all the difference in the world. THESE ARE NOT DONATIONS BUT PRE-ORDERS for the DVD and other options. Everyone has a choice of what information they consume and disseminate. This is how you choose artists like me.
SUPPORT THE FILM
Then once the film is completed: HOST A SCREENING. In your living room, in your place of worship, work, or community center. I’ll give you a powerful tool of understanding – you help me get it in front of as many people as possible.
