Glencore gets its hands dirty with child labor and pollution
Feb 20 2022
3 minutes
Many devices that we use daily, such as our laptops, smartphones, but also batteries of electric cars, contain cobalt. The demand for this raw material is therefore increasing and multinational companies are investing heavily in its production. One of these companies is the British-Swiss multinational Glencore, which manages several mining sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Deplorable working conditions in the mines of multinational Glencore
One of these companies is the British-Swiss multinational Glencore, which operates several mining sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The working conditions on these mine sites are miserable. Workers work for hours deep underground. It is even common for children to work here. They work with toxic substances, without the protection of face masks, gloves or safety clothing. This regularly results in casualties. An accident in one of the mines of Glencore led to in 2019 49 deaths. Large companies such as Apple, Google, Dell, Microsoft and Tesla keep their hands off what happens deep in the production chain. Now they are accused of being negligent in monitoring working conditions and of profiting from the various misdeeds, among which child labor.
Damage with long-term consequences
In addition to the mining sites in DR Congo manages the cobalt producer Glencore also mining projects in Peru en ColombiaTwo of these large-scale cobalt mines in Peru are Tintaya en Antapaccay. The pollution of the mines causes great damage to the nature and the local population. High concentrations of heavy metals and water pollution ensure long-term health issues among the residents. In these areas, children with differences born. Also in Colombia has Glencore a bad reputation. The indigenous population has been fighting against the activities of the international mining producer for years.
Belgian banks share responsibility
Also the financial sector is involved in the unethical practices of Glencore. Various banks such as ING, KBC, BNP, Paribas and Deutsche Bank are connected to the activities of Glencore. They provide loans, or invest in stocks and bonds. Because the Belgian state is the largest shareholder of BNP Paribas, it is also responsible for human, labor and environmental violations of Glencore .
Need for an international treaty and national legislation
International laws and regulations can not be purchased Glencore oblige to take care of people and the environment throughout the entire production chain. These rules must also apply to the couches and their shareholders that finance companies like Glencore. Like Glencore, they must take into account the risk of human rights violations within their chain identify, assess and address to avoid them in the future. Governments should continuously monitor, adjust and make public these measures.
In addition, it is the task of the Swiss en British government to ensure that Glencore enters into discussions with indigenous peoples to reach an agreement. If not, legislation should be able to hold the company liable.
Clear and ambitious regulations is urgent. The companies involved should not only focus on legal matters to justify, but should also address the damage done in the past produce.
