Overview

• The GAO found no evidence that the SEC's conflict minerals rule has reduced violence in eastern Congo, a region plagued by armed groups.
• Violence has spread around informal gold mining sites, as gold is difficult to trace and easy to smuggle.
• The SEC disagreed with some GAO findings, citing concerns about the report's methodology and analyses.
• Despite increased due diligence by companies, many still struggle to determine the origins of their minerals.
• The GAO noted that over 100 armed groups remain active in eastern Congo, with some financing their operations through mineral trade.