The growing use of solar panels, electric vehicles and wind turbines is a necessary part of tackling climate change, but poor and opaque management of the minerals needed for these green energy technologies – from the mine site to the end customer – could fuel fragility, conflict, and violence, a new report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) explains.
The report, titled Green Conflict Minerals, uncovered that at least 23 key minerals will be critical to the development and deployment of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and energy storage technologies. Many of these minerals are projected to surge in demand in the coming decades, in part due to the global transition to the low-carbon economy.
The ISSD applauds the global surge in demand for these green technologies and tracks the full spectrum of minerals required for their production, but warns that strategic reserves can become fuel for exploitation if not managed responsibly. This can become a risk when these minerals are discovered in countries already struggling with fragility and corruption.
The research also found that the increased extraction of several of these identified minerals, through both small-scale and large-scale mining operations – has, in the past and at present, been linked with local grievances, tensions and (in the worst cases) violence.
“Stories of armed groups operating cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo and of riots breaking out around bauxite mining in Guinea are just two examples that have raised this issue’s profile, but it’s something that needs to be championed by the same voices correctly calling for a green economic transition,” says report co-author Clare Church. “Most of these metals are not covered in existing conflict mineral legislation, with the exception of tin.”
The IISD outlined that we need to ensure that building blocks are put in place to ensure that the responsible sourcing of minerals which are required for green energy technologies) are in place, or are starting to emerge. These formations should include strong guidance on responsible supply chains, empowering consumers, engaging with communities, ensuring our companies are responsible and holding governments accountable when it comes to these matters.
To visualise the report’s findings, an interactive map has also been added to the IISD’s website, which highlights the strategic mineral reserves which are required for green energy technology with measures of state fragility and corruption. ‘The frequent overlap of state weakness with mineral concentration shows how ripe the situation is for abuse,’ the research firm states.
“There’s no question we need to shift to a low-carbon economy. This technology will get us there,” says Church, “but we need to do it without blood on our hands.”
Green Conflict Minerals is the first study to look at the broad swathe of metals needed for low-carbon technologies and point to gaps in the responsible management of supply chains, more information on the document can be found here.