In 1999 the demand for colubite-tantalite, also known as coltan, went from $49 to a staggering $275 a pound. Coltan is used in the manufacture of electronics. Specifically, it is a heat-resistant metal used in the manufacture of capacitors used in electronics such as cell phones, computers, and game consoles. This same year, Sony expanded production to meet the demand of its explosive hit console the Play Station 2.
Also in 1999, Rwanda invaded the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and took control of the coltan producing regions of the DRC. It is estimated that while Rwanda was in control of that region it made more than 250 million dollars by selling coltan to western companies. A former member of British Parliament, Oona King claims, “Kids in the Congo were being sent down mines to die so that kids in the West could kill imaginary aliens in their living rooms”
Only some of the crimes against humanity that occurred during the conflicts in Africa at the turn of the century have been documented.
However, to its credit Sony claims that it has taken steps to ensure they are not using illegally obtained coltan in its electronics. Additionally, the majority of the worlds supply of coltan comes from Australia, with contributing mines from around the world. And, according to a 2006 United States Geological Survey report, the DRC region produces less than 1% of the world’s coltan.
But, the sudden spike in price of coltan and the demand for the Play
Station are not a coincidence. While it may not be solely responsible, it was definitely a contributing factor. And, while Sony does claim that they did not deal in illegally obtained coltan, raw materials change hands frequently enough that it becomes impossible to be sure of these things. But it is statistically likely that some of this illegally obtained coltan was used in the manufacture of some Play Stations.
And, that brings up an interesting question. How responsible for these things are we as consumers? Without the demand generated by our desire to buy the Play Station 2, would the price of coltan have gone up significantly that it resulted in profits for an invading nation?
While we can’t claim that Rwanda invaded as a result of the rise in demand for a specific resource, they did profit from it. And in that part of the world, 250 million dollars goes a long way.
So, how responsible are we?
As consumers what culpability do we have in resource war? This wasn't a war over sustenance or survival. This was a war to take control of resources from another group of people.
Yes, we can say, "I didn't invade that country. I didn't shoot anyone." this is true. But would these things have happened if we hadn't demanded products made from those resources? Would Rwanda have invaded the Congo if there wasn't money to be made?
Well, we can't have a simple answer to that complex question but a likely answer is no. Without a significant gain, there would be no reason for a country as poor as Rwanda to invade another poor nation such as the DRC.
In a complex global economy, our seemingly inconsequential decisions and actions have impact in the furthest reaches of the world. And, by our actions are we responsible for the actions of others? Is cause responsible for effect?
And, I should add that I am not advocating that we stop buying all electronics. In this day and age, that is impractical. If we all stopped buying electronic equipment tomorrow, what would that do to our economy and to the economy of Australia- the largest producer of coltan? Even my cat box has a computer chip in it. What I am advocating is that as consumers we be more aware.
We, as people, have an effect on the world around us, even if it is so small a thing as buying a game machine for our children.
Also in 1999, Rwanda invaded the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and took control of the coltan producing regions of the DRC. It is estimated that while Rwanda was in control of that region it made more than 250 million dollars by selling coltan to western companies. A former member of British Parliament, Oona King claims, “Kids in the Congo were being sent down mines to die so that kids in the West could kill imaginary aliens in their living rooms”
Only some of the crimes against humanity that occurred during the conflicts in Africa at the turn of the century have been documented.
However, to its credit Sony claims that it has taken steps to ensure they are not using illegally obtained coltan in its electronics. Additionally, the majority of the worlds supply of coltan comes from Australia, with contributing mines from around the world. And, according to a 2006 United States Geological Survey report, the DRC region produces less than 1% of the world’s coltan.
But, the sudden spike in price of coltan and the demand for the Play
Station are not a coincidence. While it may not be solely responsible, it was definitely a contributing factor. And, while Sony does claim that they did not deal in illegally obtained coltan, raw materials change hands frequently enough that it becomes impossible to be sure of these things. But it is statistically likely that some of this illegally obtained coltan was used in the manufacture of some Play Stations.
And, that brings up an interesting question. How responsible for these things are we as consumers? Without the demand generated by our desire to buy the Play Station 2, would the price of coltan have gone up significantly that it resulted in profits for an invading nation?
While we can’t claim that Rwanda invaded as a result of the rise in demand for a specific resource, they did profit from it. And in that part of the world, 250 million dollars goes a long way.
So, how responsible are we?
As consumers what culpability do we have in resource war? This wasn't a war over sustenance or survival. This was a war to take control of resources from another group of people.
Yes, we can say, "I didn't invade that country. I didn't shoot anyone." this is true. But would these things have happened if we hadn't demanded products made from those resources? Would Rwanda have invaded the Congo if there wasn't money to be made?
Well, we can't have a simple answer to that complex question but a likely answer is no. Without a significant gain, there would be no reason for a country as poor as Rwanda to invade another poor nation such as the DRC.
In a complex global economy, our seemingly inconsequential decisions and actions have impact in the furthest reaches of the world. And, by our actions are we responsible for the actions of others? Is cause responsible for effect?
And, I should add that I am not advocating that we stop buying all electronics. In this day and age, that is impractical. If we all stopped buying electronic equipment tomorrow, what would that do to our economy and to the economy of Australia- the largest producer of coltan? Even my cat box has a computer chip in it. What I am advocating is that as consumers we be more aware.
We, as people, have an effect on the world around us, even if it is so small a thing as buying a game machine for our children.
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