[author: Vera Cherepanova, Studio Etica] On January 1, 2021, the Conflict Minerals Regulation (EU Regulation 2017/821) came into full force across the EU. This new law aims to ensure that importers of certain materials originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas source these materials responsibly by laying down supply chain due diligence obligations. With many jurisdictions actively seeking to implement environmental, social and governance (ESG) legislation, the supply chain risks associated with conflict minerals mining and trade cover a broad spectrum. Money laundering and corruption, child and forced labor, human trafficking, smuggling, and organized crime, as well as environmental damage, are all problems associated with minerals derived from politically unstable areas.