Responsibility in Resource Extraction: Expectations and RealityThe energy transition demands vast quantities of mineral resources—lithium, cobalt, a …
Responsibility in Resource Extraction: Expectations and Reality
The energy transition demands vast quantities of mineral resources—lithium, cobalt, and nickel are indispensable for batteries, solar cells, and wind turbines. However, these resources often come from countries where human rights are neglected, child labour is tolerated, and environmental destruction is accepted. Germany, aiming to become climate-neutral by 2045, is heavily reliant on these imports and faces the question of how to reconcile its sustainability ambitions with the realities of supply chains.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) seeks to initiate change through binding due diligence obligations and projects such as “Climate Smart Mining”. Local processing industries are to be promoted, and governance systems in producing countries are to be made more transparent. Yet critics argue that these measures often exist only on paper or are undermined by economic interests. Implementing standards in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where corruption and violence prevail, remains a colossal challenge.
The European Supply Chain Directive, which advocates for binding rules, also faces resistance from companies fearing higher costs. At the same time, it is questionable whether the EU can actually reduce its dependency on countries like China for resource processing.
A sustainable and just resource policy is urgently needed, yet the gap between expectations and reality remains significant. Germany and the EU are challenged not to achieve their climate goals at the expense of the poorest countries. The transition to responsible supply chains must not remain mere lip service—it must be accompanied by decisive political and economic support.
