Conflict Minerals: The Legislation and Its Impact on Required Reporters

• In Event: Reception with ELS Posters and Research Interaction Forum Posters
  In Poster Session: Research Interaction Forum

Abstract

Abstract: In January 2010, the Congress of the United States enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that regulates various participants in the banking industry. At the end of the 850 page bill was a short section discussing the monitoring of “conflict mineral” production and usage such as tungsten and tin from the war-torn region of Central Africa in order to facilitate peace, stabilize society, and eliminate the human-rights atrocities perpetrated on the population. In 2012 the Securities and Exchange Commission issued rules and regulations related to implementing the legislation, due diligence of supply-chain audits, and the creation and issuance of a Conflict Minerals Report as part of the new SEC Form SD. These rules have proven to be both convoluted and costly as the issuers try to comply with the intent of the law.

Authors

• Jan R Heier, Auburn University - Montgomery

• Katherine C. Reed, Auburn University Montogmery