Environmental and Social Impacts of Mining Critical Metals

The chapter delves into the significant environmental and social impacts of mining critical metals in countries with lower standards, focusing on examples like cobalt mining in the DRC and lithium mining in Chile. It emphasizes the opposition from local populations due to environmental and health concerns, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulatory standards and oversight in mining operations. The narrative also explores the geopolitical risks and challenges faced by countries seeking to secure a stable supply of critical minerals and rare earths.