BISIE, CONGO – Congolese rebel soldiers are running national tin mines and causing havoc with consumer electronics firms intent on following best practices for corporate humanitarianism.
 
Among the mines being run by the renegades includes the Bisie mine, which produces 63% of Congo's tin exports, according to the British government estimates.
 
The tin is finding its way through middlemen to solder manufacturers in Asia, the Financial Times reported today, and Hitachi, Microsoft, Pioneer and Samsung are researching the possibility they could be providing tin solder from these companies.
 
According to the Financial Times, the Malaysia Smelting Corp. Berhad purchases about 12% of its tin from the region, and Hitachi, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony are among the companies that purchase the refined solder powder from MSC’s customers.
 
Samsung has asked for an investigation into its component suppliers’ tin, while Hitachi said the company would review compliance of primary suppliers. Pioneer also said it is taking the allegations seriously and will look into the matter thoroughly.