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The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (“the Guidance”) is the first example of a collaborative government-backed multi-stakeholder initiative on responsible supply chain management of minerals from conflict-affected areas. Its objective is to help companies respect human rights and avoid contributing to conflict through their mineral sourcing practices. The Guidance is also intended to cultivate transparent mineral supply chains and sustainable corporate engagement in the mineral sector with a view to enabling countries to benefit from their natural mineral resources and preventing the extraction and trade of minerals from becoming a source of conflict, human rights abuses, and insecurity.
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In conflict-affected and high-risk areas, companies involved in mining and trade in minerals have the potential to generate income, growth and prosperity, sustain livelihoods and foster local development. In such situations, companies may also be at risk of contributing to or being associated with significant adverse impacts, including serious human rights abuses and conflict.
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This Supplement provides specific guidance on supply chain due diligence of tin, tantalum and tungsten (hereinafter minerals) from conflict-affected or high-risk areas according to the different positions in the mineral supply chain. It distinguishes between the roles of and the corresponding due diligence recommendations addressed to upstream companies and downstream companies in the supply chain.