Which of the following resources is a conflict mineral used in smart devices?
1. quartz
2. tin
3. mercury
4. neodymium
1. Tin
2. Dust from cobalt... & Thousands of children
3. Minerals can be extracted....
100% Q&A maybe mixed around
Got 100% thanks
The conflict mineral used in smart devices is tin.
To determine which of the resources is a conflict mineral used in smart devices, we need to define what a conflict mineral is and then explore each option.
A conflict mineral is a mineral that is mined in a region experiencing armed conflict and is sold to finance the conflict. Smart devices often contain minerals that originate from conflict-affected regions, such as certain parts of Africa.
Now let's consider each option individually:
1. Quartz: Quartz is a mineral commonly used in various electronic devices, including smartphones. However, quartz is not classified as a conflict mineral. It is primarily sourced from different regions worldwide, and conflict is not typically associated with its extraction.
2. Tin: Tin is another mineral used in the manufacturing of electronic devices, and it is more closely linked to conflict than quartz. Certain regions in Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have experienced conflicts related to the mining and trade of tin. However, not all tin is conflict-sourced. Tin from conflict-free mines can be certified as such, and efforts have been made within the industry to ensure responsible sourcing.
3. Mercury: Mercury is not typically associated with smart devices. While it is used in some electronic components, such as certain types of batteries, it is not considered a primary mineral used in these devices. Therefore, it is unlikely to be a conflict mineral related to the smart device industry.
4. Neodymium: Neodymium is a rare earth element used in the production of magnets, specifically neodymium iron boron magnets commonly found in speakers and motors in smartphones, among other devices. The extraction of neodymium can potentially cause environmental damage, but it is not generally considered a conflict mineral. Most neodymium is sourced from countries like China, which is not known for being a conflict-affected region.
In summary, among the options given, tin is the resource that is most commonly associated with being a conflict mineral used in smart devices. However, it's worth noting that significant efforts have been made in recent years to improve supply chain transparency and ensure responsible sourcing of minerals, including tin, to minimize the impact of conflict minerals in the electronics industry.