03/04/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 3 April, the EU Council of Ministers adopted a regulation to stem the trade in 'conflict minerals' (tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold – 3TG) from conflict-affected areas by stopping the financing of armed groups who are rampant in these areas and who depend on the mining and trade of 3TG. Under the agreement that was concluded between the European Parliament and Council at the end of 2016, this regulation will oblige all EU importers of 3TG (except very small ones) to conduct 'due diligence' checks on their suppliers. By obliging the companies involved to act responsibly in the trade of 3TG, the regulation should ensure a sustainable supply for over 95% of 3TG imports into the EU, which will be covered, from 1 January 2021, by due diligence arrangements set out by OECD guidelines. (EH)