Demand for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies has increased as deployment of low-carbon systems accelerates. New data links that growth to a rise in human rights abuses connected to mineral extraction. The figures come from the Transition Minerals Tracker, compiled by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC).
The tracker documents over 630 allegations of human rights violations associated with mineral mining since 2010. It reports that 91 of those allegations were recorded in the past year alone. The monitoring covers seven minerals, including copper, lithium, and bauxite, which are used in solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies.
Reported abuses in the dataset particularly affect Indigenous communities. Allegations include forced relocations, water pollution, and denial of access to traditional lands. The tracker also includes reports of attacks on human rights defenders and worker rights abuses.
Work-related deaths and reported patterns of harm
Since 2010, the tracker records 53 reported work-related deaths in the sector. It says 30% of those deaths were reported in 2023. Caroline Avan, BHRRC’s head of natural resources and just transition, said there are no signs of improvement.
Avan added that many abuses may not be captured because the tracker relies on public information. She said this means the true scale could be larger than what is documented. BHRRC provided companies named in the allegations with an opportunity to respond.
The dataset links ten companies to more than half of all allegations since 2010. Companies named include China Minmetals, Glencore, Grupo Mexico, First Quantum Minerals, and Solway Group. Almost half of the reported abuses, 46%, originate from South America.
According to Avan, multiple cases follow a pattern beginning with environmental violations such as water or soil pollution. She said those impacts are often followed by inadequate consultation with local communities. The tracker reports that this sequence can contribute to prolonged conflicts.
Las Bambas copper mine faces repeated allegations
A prominent case highlighted by the tracker is the Las Bambas copper mine in Peru. The mine is owned by MMG Ltd., and its major shareholder is China Minmetals Corporation (CMC). The operation was previously controlled by Glencore.
The tracker says Las Bambas has faced numerous allegations of human rights abuses across its full monitoring period of 13 years, including in 2023. It reports that mine infrastructure, activities, and expansion plans have produced social and environmental impacts. Indigenous communities have carried out protests and blockades related to those impacts.
In November, 1,500 workers went on strike at Las Bambas seeking a larger share of profits. Despite the allegations involving CMC, MMG, and Las Bambas, the companies have not responded to BHRRC according to the tracker’s reporting.
Regulatory moves and UN panel on critical energy minerals
The persistence of human rights allegations in mining is drawing additional attention as global demand rises for clean energy applications. The International Energy Agency predicts mineral demand for clean energy uses will grow 3.5 times by 2030. BHRRC says civil society groups, Indigenous peoples, and policymakers are pressing for stronger human rights protections.
The report points to regulatory requirements including the EU Batteries Regulation, adopted last July. It states that end-users of battery minerals must conduct thorough supply chain due diligence. Avan said that while the automotive industry is beginning to demand higher standards upstream, renewable energy supply chains have not yet done enough to ensure mineral suppliers are not linked to human rights abuses.
Last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched a high-level panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. The panel is tasked with developing global principles aimed at safeguarding environmental and social standards and embedding justice in the energy transition. Guterres said supply chains must be managed so developing countries benefit fairly while protecting both human rights and the environment.
The panel is expected to present initial recommendations ahead of the UN General Assembly in September. Avan also raised concerns about strategic partnerships between countries in the Global North and resource-rich countries in the Global South for mineral supply security without sufficiently demanding human rights protections from companies involved.
BHRRC’s reporting says it expects companies to adopt human rights policies and ensure affected communities share in benefits and governance of projects. Avan emphasized stronger government regulations and improved business practices tied to respect for human rights, fair negotiations, and shared prosperity.