An independent study designed and executed by Chris N. Bayer, PhD. This study systematically evaluates public company “conflict mineral” filings submitted to the SEC for reporting year 2014 under Dodd-Frank Section 1502 – a disclosure law requiring public companies to reveal the origin of the so-called “conflict minerals” tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold contained in their products. As of July 17, 2015, 1,267 issuers filed a Conflict Mineral Disclosure (CMD) for reporting year 2014.