3TG is a collective term for tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. They are conflict minerals and primarily extracted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring regions and in the conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs).

Applications.

• Tin: shock absorbers 
• Tantalum: condensers 
• Tungsten: turbo chargers 
• Gold: components for charging electronics, contact systems

Risks.

• Armed conflict
• Child and forced labour
• Violation of human rights  
• Violation of workers’ rights
• Violation of international law 
• Endangering the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples
• Environmental impacts of mining waste on water, soil, air and people, e.g. from acid and toxic mine water
• Deforestation and the associated loss of biodiversity
• CO₂ emissions and energy consumption from mining and processing gold

Preventive measures.

• Enabling suppliers to implement OECD Due Diligence Guidance
• Establishment of traceability back to the smelter
• Collaboration with non-certified smelters on participation in audit programmes
• Increasing share of secondary tungsten content through a closed material loop at BMW Group plants in Austria and Germany

Active involvement in initiatives.

• European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM)
• Responsible Minerals Initiative: Cross-industry cooperation with the Gold Working Group

Overarching policies and commitments