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 CAHRA (conflict and high-risk area).

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