human rights abuses
Newsletter
Mining for essential minerals in Eastern Europe and Central Asia linked to rights abuses
A recent U.K. report documents over 400 human rights abuse claims in the mining sector of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, critical for the global shift to sustainable energy.
In short:
- The U.K.-based Business and Human Rights Resource Center tracked abuses in 16 countries, mainly concerning worker safety and environmental damage.
- Russia tops the list with 112 cases, including concealed workplace accidents and severe environmental pollution.
- Economic pressures and weak regulations in the region contribute to ongoing violations, despite increasing global demand for these minerals.
Key quote:
“The race to net zero cannot trample over the poor. The renewables revolution is happening, but we must make sure that it is done in a way that moves us towards justice.”
— U.N. Secretary General António Guterres
Why this matters:
This mining is essential for achieving global low-carbon goals, yet it's mired in human and environmental crises. In regions rich in minerals—vital for everything from construction to technology and energy—local populations often bear the brunt of the industry's less savory practices. The environmental toll is equally concerning, with extensive mining operations contributing to deforestation, soil erosion, water contamination, and air pollution.
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Mining critical to renewable energy tied to hundreds of alleged human rights abuses
A report released Wednesday faults the U.S. and other nations for providing incentives for the mining of rare metals like lithium and cobalt without enacting adequate labor and environmental safeguards, Katie Surma reports for Inside Climate News.
In a nutshell:
Key quote
“We have to move away from fossil fuels and that requires minerals to manufacture renewable technologies,” said Caroline Avan, one of the authors of the report. “There is no way around that, but it should not mean we have to mine everywhere without any sort of safeguards.”
Big picture
Global demand for mission-critical minerals and metals and the promise of massive profits are a powerful incentive to cut corners and discourage public input through corrupt processes and at times, violent suppression of human rights defenders.
Read the full story at Inside Climate News
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