Blood Coltan

This is a story about the real costs of our need to stay in touch. Mobile phones have hidden tariffs with unimaginable human consequences: rape, murder and illegal slave labor. This program from Britain, The Dossier, makes an in depth study of how global demand for the rare mineral coltan, a vital ingredient in the manufacturing of cell phones, is directly responsible for the suffering in the eastern Congo. The problem has been well know for years, yet no effective action is taken by governments or corporations. There can be no doubt that post colonial Africa has been intentionally kept in turmoil to steal and exploit its vast natural resources. As one activist says, "there is blood in your cell phone". What American TV network would risk the displeasure of its advertisers by airing this program? 50 min. Download here.