Cobalt production for batteries in the DR Congo and Zambia
This report is part of the ‘makeITfair’ project to raise awareness about development issues in the production chain of the consumer electronics industry, with a special focus on products for young consumers, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, game consoles and laptops. The focus of the project is on the consumer electronics industry, as this industry is growing rapidly and is facing many social and environmental problems throughout the world. The industry has only recently been the focus of public campaigns, and there is still limited awareness with the wider public. As the production chain of consumer electronic products is a truly global one, the sector is a particularly good example to discuss issues of globalisation with young consumers. read more lessrelated content
European Union: rules for batteries should cover bauxite, copper, iron
The European Union’s proposed batteries regulation should require importers and manufacturers to source the bauxite, copper, and iron used in batteries responsibly, a coalition of 16 organizations said today. The coalition includes Amnesty International, Earthworks,…
European Parliament approval of draft Batteries Regulation is a welcome step towards just energy transition
SOMO and GoodElectronics welcome the EU draft legislation on batteries approved on Thursday by the European Parliament and call on EU member states to agree on the text without delays or attempts to water it…
State of play and roadmap concepts: electronics sector
Declaration on mining and the energy transition ahead of COP26
SOMO and 140 other organisations support a just and rapid transition away from fossil fuels and towards a renewable energy system. However, we are concerned about the impacts of extracting minerals, such as lithium, cobalt,…
Biomass production for the Netherlands is causing serious damage to Estonia’s natural environment
The production of wood pellets for biomass used in Dutch coal-fired power plants is causing serious damage to forests and biodiversity in Estonia. This does not comply with Dutch sustainability criteria on biomass. The full…
Responsible disengagement from coal as part of a just transition
Coal mines must close, but not without just solutions for communities and workers
Mining and energy companies must stop extracting and burning coal if disastrous climate change is to be avoided. But what will this transition mean for communities and workers that depend on coal mining for their…
Wood pellet damage
How the green energy transition fuels human rights abuses in South Africa
As the growing popularity of electric vehicles sparks an increased demand for battery-related minerals, new research by ActionAid and SOMO exposes the harmful impact of manganese mining on communities in South Africa. Publication / June…