Conflict minerals are natural resources extracted in conflict zones, often sold to finance armed groups and perpetuate violence. These minerals typically include tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, which are essential for various electronics and other products. The mining of conflict minerals can lead to human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and economic instability in affected regions. Efforts to regulate the trade of these minerals, such as the Dodd-Frank Act in the United States, aim to promote transparency and ensure that consumers are not inadvertently supporting conflict through their purchases.