Global supply chains of coltan: : A hybrid life cycle assessment study using a social indicator

摘要: The spot price for tantalum, a metal used in high-performance consumer electronics, spiked 2000, triggering boom artisanal mining of surface deposits the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC). profit from columbite-tantalite ore, or coltan, is alleged to have funded militants during that country's civil war. One warlord famously claimed coltan delivered million dollars per month. While was neither necessary nor sufficient cause war, there nevertheless clear association between and conflict. In order trace global flows out DRC, we high-resolution multiregion input-output (MRIO) table hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) approach exports through international supply chains estimate “coltan footprint” various products. this case study, our aim highlight power utility LCA analysis using MRIO accounts. We which chains, nations, goods carry largest loads embodied coltan. This study provides estimates on illicit footprint consumption, highlights advantages challenges monetary-physical input-output/LCA approaches quantify negative social impact as an input production. If successful, could be useful expedient measurement tool understanding conflict minerals