The rush for a greener, tech-driven future brings a serious contradiction: while modern technology like electric vehicles and wind turbines relies heavily on critical minerals, many communities involved in mining suffer from pollution and poor health. These areas often face contaminated water and increased health risks due to the extraction processes involved in getting minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper.
Lithium fuels batteries, cobalt adds stability, and copper conducts electricity. But extracting these resources can be toxic and consumes a vast amount of water, often leading to are more pressing issues than they solve. Research from the United Nations highlights how without proper oversight, mining operations can greatly worsen conditions for some of the world’s poorest populations.
The impact of mining on water is staggering. For instance, in just 2024, lithium production consumed around 456 billion liters of water—enough to meet the annual needs of about 62 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. This is concerning, especially as many regions are already facing water shortages, putting ecosystems at risk.
In places like Chile’s Salar de Atacama, up to 65% of regional water use is driven by mining, which competes with agriculture and threatens local ecosystems. Groundwater levels drop while pollution from mining operations contaminates existing water sources.
Moreover, mining generates considerable toxic waste, which can contain harmful metals and chemicals. Reports show that in some regions, rivers near cobalt and copper mines have become so polluted that communities can no longer use them for drinking, causing severe repercussions for local fish stocks and agriculture.
Health problems are rampant in mining communities. Workers and residents often report chronic illnesses like skin diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and even severe reproductive health problems linked to heavy metal exposure. For example, regions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) record high rates of miscarriages and congenital defects in babies born near mining sites. In Chile’s Antofagasta region, cancer mortality rates are significantly higher than the national average, with health professionals noting a rise in neurological and developmental disorders.
As of now, only about a third of people in the DRC have access to basic drinking water services. This lack of clean water is exacerbated by mining practices, leaving local populations in dire straits.
The mining of critical minerals doesn’t just threaten water sources; it also jeopardizes food supplies. For example, in Peru, zinc mining has polluted water used for irrigation, harming local crops. Similarly, lithium mining in Bolivia has caused persistent water shortages, making it difficult to cultivate quinoa, a vital crop for many communities.
To tackle these issues, experts suggest stronger governance and accountability within the mining sector. Moving beyond voluntary guidelines to enforceable laws could help ensure better environmental standards and human rights protection. Investing in less water-intensive extraction technologies and giving local communities a significant voice in governance can also promote sustainable mining practices.
While critical minerals are essential for advancing sustainability, we must be cautious. If we transition to cleaner technologies that result in polluted land, ill health, and displaced communities, we may fail to fulfill the promise of a truly green future.
