Concerns Over Neocolonial Exploitation in Critical Minerals Rush
Civil society activists are urging governments to tackle the risks of neocolonial exploitation as there’s a global surge in the demand for critical minerals. They emphasize the need for official supply chain strategies amidst a scramble for essential resources.
It’s often said that wealthy nations are intensifying their efforts to secure minerals vital for high-tech products like cobalt, lithium, and nickel, but there’s more at play. While the significance of these minerals in the green transition is frequently highlighted, campaigners note that much of the demand actually stems from industries such as arms and consumer technology.
“To succeed, green transitions can’t rely on the exploitation of impoverished nations by unscrupulous corporations,” states Credit Rickard, a policy manager at Global Justice. He further adds that the UK government should take this opportunity to establish new mineral strategies, clarifying which minerals are essential and focusing on public goods for a sustainable future instead of just profits for arms companies.
By 2040, demand for critical minerals is projected to quadruple. Although the US has recently made headlines for a deal with Ukraine to access mineral resources, similar agreements have quietly unfolded across the globe.
The UK has already signed non-binding agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia, Australia, Kazakhstan, and Zambia to explore mineral resources. This year, it is expected to unveil a 10-year strategy aimed at supporting future industries.
However, a joint briefing from 17 organizations, including the Trade Justice Movement and Friends of the Earth, cautioned that without proper safeguards, the UK and other powerful nations risk maintaining a system that sacrifices justice for convenience.
The environmental toll of increased mining activities could be substantial, leading to ecosystem destruction, water shortages, and violations of workers’ rights and Indigenous rights, alongside occupational safety concerns.
Advocates argue that the new strategy should clearly differentiate between the minerals necessary for energy transition while establishing limits on extraction practices. They stress the importance of bilateral agreements with producing nations to ensure compliance with human and labor rights standards, as outlined by key UN treaties and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Tom Wills, director of the Trade Justice Movement, cautioned: “The UK’s approach to securing critical minerals should avoid past mistakes where resource extraction resulted in environmental damage and human suffering. The UK has a responsibility to lead a sustainable and equitable transition to clean energy, prioritizing both environmental protection and human rights.”
The Ministry of Business and Trade, which oversees the UK’s critical mineral strategy, has been contacted for comment.
