On July 2, 2012, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it will hold an open meeting on August 22, 2012, at 10 a.m., at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., to consider adopting rules that would regulate the use of so-called “conflict minerals.” The minerals that will be regulated are: cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, gold, wolframite and their derivatives (the Conflict Minerals). We have included a copy of the SEC announcement.

If adopted, the rules will impact thousands of companies and their suppliers throughout the world that use Conflict Minerals in their manufacturing processes. Manufacturers of electronics, pharmaceuticals, heavy equipment, clothing, jewelry and certain food items are likely to be affected. Companies that invest in these sectors may also be impacted.

Please see full alert below for more information.