Lithium Mining in Africa Reveals Dark Side of Green Energy

The new rush for lithium in Africa risks fueling corruption and harming local communities and the environment, investigations have shown, writes Kate Hairsine for Deutsche Welle.

At a lithium mine in Namibia run by a Chinese company, local workers reportedly face deplorable living conditions and safety hazards. The miners live in cramped, poorly ventilated zinc shacks without proper facilities, while Chinese workers enjoy better accommodations. The mining company is accused of neglecting safety measures and exploiting small-scale licenses to avoid regulations.

This issue isn't isolated - it's part of a troubling trend across African lithium mines, involving human rights abuses, corruption, and displacement. The Global Witness report highlights these problems, emphasising a historical pattern of communities not benefiting from mining profits.

The investigation also documents human rights abuses, corruption, displacement, and unsafe working practices in lithium mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. This is a concerning trend as the demand for lithium is expected to boom in the coming years.

Many African countries are embracing the lithium rush and are eager to reap the benefits of this valuable resource. However, there is a risk that this will lead to further corruption and exploitation of local communities.