Eve Ensler Calls for Rape-Free Cell Phones (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California 
on 05.28.09
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a source, albeit a small one, for conflict minerals that end up in our electronics. While some companies, such as Nokia, have shown their resolve in never using conflict minerals in their products, other companies have yet to be so transparent. Eve Ensler isn't sitting back about it. Not only are the minerals gathered through abusive means and slave labor, they're also gathered where rape is used as a weapon of war over the mines. Click through to hear Ensler speak at D7 on the issue.
The minerals, such as columbite tantalite or coltan are essential to the function of our gadgets. It's bad enough we have major issues with recycling these devices without harming people. It's even worse when we really examine the harm that can go into making them. Ensler's talk is a wake up call that we have to be equally diligent about the sources of our gadgets as we are about their disposal.
More on Conflict Minerals
Nokia Is Serious about Avoiding Conflict Minerals
Spoils of A "Looter's War" Destined For Your Laptop & Cellphone (Video)
India's Mining Boom: Tribal Groups, Poor & Environment Losing Out
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