Conflict Mining : A Quick Look High-technology devices such as mobile phones, tablets, televisions and laptops all use mineral commodities for majority of their components such as their display, battery, game consoles, circuits, speakers, and more. Conflict mining is the extraction of minerals (under the conditions of human abuse) from war torn areas. Some examples of these minerals are Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten and Gold which are mined under unfavourable conditions in the Republic of Congo, Africa. |
The Human Cost Of Conflict Mining
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People working on these mining sites toil for lengthy hours with little to no food or breaks. Some of these workers have died due to fatigue or improper work environments such as digging in deep pits during floods.
Adults and children working in these mines often dig minerals without proper tools, safety training or equipment. In fact, they often use their bare hands while digging in search of these special minerals. Also, in mines under militia control, forced labour is quite common- the workforce has no union to fight for their rights.
The Geography Of Conflict Mining And The Global Trade Network
After Mining, the minerals are gathered and washed manually , then carried on the backs of male workers to be transported on route through Uganda and Rwanda, to then be taken to Asia for processing. After processing, minerals are sold across the world to electronic companies so that they can be used in popular devices and for new, exciting technology. These companies along with Militias in the Republic of Congo and Manufacturers in Asia all make profit from these minerals.
Read about the Environmental Effects
Read about the Environmental Effects