Companies, scrambling to identify “conflict minerals” from the Democratic Republic of the Congo that may enter their supply chains, now have even more to worry about. President Obama this week set the stage for expanded sanctions against the militia-ravaged region.

A new Executive Order, amending what was issued in 2006, expands sanctions criteria so they conform more closely to United Nations resolutions. Among the new criteria that will be used is the addition of individuals and groups tied to militias involved in the illicit trade of natural resources from the region.

The Securities and Exchange Commission requires public companies to disclose their use of tantalum, tin, gold, or tungsten that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country. The mining of such metals has been used to fund militia groups that have committed human rights abuses.

Other conduct that will trigger future U.S. sanctions:

Actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

Actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

The targeting of women and children with acts of violence (including killing, maiming, torture, and rape or other sexual violence), abduction, forced displacement, or attacks on schools, hospitals, religious sites, or locations where civilians are seeking refuge, or through conduct that would constitute a serious abuse or violation of human rights or a violation of international humanitarian law;

The use or recruitment of children by armed groups or armed forces;

Obstructing the distribution of, or access to, humanitarian assistance;

Attacks against United Nations missions, international security presences, or other peacekeeping operations.

The threat to companies and individuals that fail to adhere to the expanding sanctions list include fines of at least $250,000 or twice the amount of the underlying transaction, criminal penalties of up to $1,000,000, and, in extreme cases, imprisonment for up to 20 years.

Earlier this month, ahead of the Executive Order, U.S. and United Nations Security Council added a Ugandan rebel group, the Allied Democratic Forces, to their sanction lists for "targeting children in situations of armed conflict through rape, killing, abduction and forced displacement."

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