5.2.11 Conflict minerals: issues further down the chain In line with Philips’ commitment to supply-chain sustainability, we are concerned about the situation in eastern DRC (the Democratic Republic of the Congo), where proceeds from the mining sector are used to finance rebel conflicts in the region. Philips does not directly source minerals from the DRC and the mines are typically seven or more tiers away from our direct suppliers. Philips nevertheless feels obliged to address this issue through the means and influencing mechanisms available to us.