The global push for clean energy is intensifying human rights abuses and environmental degradation in African lithium mines, despite promises of economic benefits.
Exploitative labor practices, corruption and environmental damage are rampant in Zimbabwe, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite economic promises, local communities suffer from displacement, poor working conditions and ecological impacts.
New legislation in some African countries aims to ban exports of unprocessed lithium ore, promoting domestic processing and economic growth.
Key quote:
“These are people who endured some of the worst atrocities imaginable fighting for this land, for independence, and now they’re being told, ‘this is not your land.'
— Farai Maguwu, director of Harari-based Centre for Natural Resource Governance
Why this matters:
The surge in lithium demand for renewable energy points to the need for ethical resource extraction that addresses local health and environmental impacts.
Companies are seeking to open old mines and explore in new sensitive regions amid resistance from Californians who want the Gold Rush to remain part of history.
