Investors

“The reporting mechanism should be mandatory” and “should apply to any European company that manufactures or contracts to manufacture products containing 3TG that is necessary to product functionality or manufacture.” (...) “This approach will ensure that key actors throughout the supply chain— both dealers in raw materials and relevant manufacturers—operate within an international framework comprised of consistent rules.”

EUROSIF statement on behalf of 24 investors representing $855 billion in assets under management, Oct 2014

“[A] mandatory and inclusive approach will stimulate a level of robust supply chain due diligence and reporting that a narrow, voluntary opt-in scheme simply cannot inspire. A mandatory scheme applicable to companies throughout the entire supply chain can effectively generate adequate company reaction that will tangibly limit investor risk and increase legitimate extractive sector revenue streams in conflict-affected and high-risk areas...”

Statement by global investors, including BNP Paribas Investment Partners and EUROSIF, May 2015

Businesses:

"We support a mandatory reporting mechanism for European companies that manufacture or contract to manufacture products containing 3TG necessary to product functionality or manufacture.  The reporting mechanism should mirror the US Securities and Exchange Commission requirements to ensure a consistent international framework."

Novo Nordisk

"As a mobile operator, Telenor Group does not produce any physical products that might contain conflict minerals, but we recognize the importance of this issue in our value chain.  Telenor Group supports a mandatory responsible mineral sourcing regime, and we work closely together with our Branch organizations (GeSi, JAC and GSMA)."

Telenor

“I just hope those talking on behalf of businesses remember one thing…: Strong conflict minerals legislation in Europe is a business opportunity that we can not afford to miss.”

Peter Nicholls, former Vice President, Rio Tinto Group

SMEs:

“For Nager IT, as a responsibly producing SME, it is essential that a mandatory responsible sourcing and due diligence requirement is not limited to the importers of raw materials, since manufacturers do not normally buy from them directly. Instead such a requirement must apply to all intermediate and part product manufacturers, as well as for manufacturers of end-products, such as us. Compliance and public accountability can only be achieved if due diligence responsibilities are shared by all companies in a supply chain.”

Nager IT e.V.,‘Position paper on the proposal to introduce the OECD Guidance on a mandatory basis’, 31 March 2015

Religious leaders:

“We are encouraged by the progress made as a result of Members of the European Parliament championing payment transparency in the extractive industries in 2013. It is now time to continue on this positive path, with ambitious and binding rules to promote supply chain due diligence by companies concerning natural resources sourced from high-risk or conflict-affected areas.”

Open statement signed by 140 Church leaders from 38 countries on 5 continents.

Dr. Denis Mukwege, Founder of Panzi Hospital (DRC):

“[A] commitment to responsible sourcing must be made mandatory for all businesses that could potentially bring conflict minerals into Europe. If not, the legislation now under discussion risks undermining global attempts to clean up the trade.”

Dr. Denis Mukwege, Winner of Sakharov Prize 2014, International New York Times, 22 April 2015.
Dr. Mukwege specialises in treating women who have been gang-raped by rebel forces in DRC.

Human rights advocates:

“I’m dependent on my phone, my laptop and other electronic equipment for so many things I want to do... I’m also concerned because I know from experience that these wonderful and necessary products are causing unimaginable suffering back in my home country.”

Bandi Mbubi, founder of Congo Calling, the campaign for fair trade electronics