Electronic manufacturing: Toxic mines

Context

Your company relies on a steady supply of critical minerals—like gold, cobalt, lithium, nickel, and tin—to manufacture cutting-edge electronics. Mining operations are causing long-term damage to local communities through water depletion, land grabbing, and environmental degradation. While switching to fully certified, ethically sourced minerals could reduce harm, it would raise production costs, slow supply chains, and reduce profits.

Dilemma

Do you:
A) Prioritize ethical sourcing by demanding full transparency from suppliers and investing in sustainable supply chain alternatives.
B) Continue sourcing from current suppliers to maintain production speed and affordability.

Summary

Global e-waste reached a record 62 million metric tons in 2022, growing five times faster than recycling rates, according to a UN report. Only 22% was properly recycled, with most ending up in landfills or informal systems, posing health and environmental risks. Toxic materials like mercury and lead threaten ecosystems, while improper disposal fuels climate change by increasing demand for raw materials. The report urges better policies, infrastructure, and manufacturer accountability, especially as e-waste is projected to rise to 82 million tons by 2030. Wealthy nations must curb dumping in poorer countries lacking recycling capacity.

Resources:

• https://api.globalewaste.org/publications/file/297/Global-E-waste-Monitor-2024.pdf
• https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/20/climate/electronic-waste-recycling-climate-un/index.html