Conflict Minerals; Final Rule (SEC - Fed. Reg. Version)

The SEC adopted a rule mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act requiring companies to publicly disclose their use of conflict minerals that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo or an adjoining country. Companies are required to disclose their use of conflict minerals that include tantalum, tin, gold or tungsten if the minerals are "necessary to the functionality or production of a product" and the company files reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act. The final rule requires a company to provide the disclosure on a new form (Form SD) to be filed with the SEC.

Effective Date: November 13, 2012.

Compliance Date: Issuers must comply with the final rule for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2013 with the first reports due May 31, 2014.

Related Releases: Proposed Rule Release Nos. 34-63547 and 34-63793.

Cross-Reference(s): Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502. See also the GAO's report of July 16 on conflict metals (in Dodd-Frank studies).

View rule release here: 77 FR 56273.Additional Materials: SEC Press Release and Fact Sheet. Related Statement from SEC Rulemaking Meeting: Commissioner Luis A. Aguilar's Statement