...[A]rmed groups control half of the tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold mines in...eastern [Democratic Republic of Congo]...generat[ing] as much as $225 million annually...“They may own the mines in the conflict region, or tax the mines or tax the trade routes used to export the minerals,” says Sandy Merber, counsel for international trade regulation and sourcing at GE...NGOs seeking to cut off the funding have pushed companies to audit their supply chains...[for] minerals...[that] may support the conflict... GE...has been working with companies, NGOs, investors as well as government agencies to foster a system that supports cutting out conflict minerals...and improves reporting. One way is to create a network of certified conflict-free smelters. [also refers to HP, Intel, Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition, Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI)]