On August 22, 2012, the SEC issued the long-awaited final rules to implement the conflict minerals provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank). The rules are most likely to impact manufacturers and certain retailers. While the rules only apply directly to public companies (including smaller reporting companies), they will have ancillary effects on many private companies. This Alert discusses the final rules and steps that companies should take in light of the requirements of the final rules.