Our key takeaway: Climate action is inextricably linked to positive and negative human rights impacts. Transition minerals, used in renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, is a key example of how ‘doing good’ for the environment does not necessarily translate to ‘doing good’ for people; in some situations, it can even exacerbate human rights abuses. Mining operations disproportionately threaten human rights and environmental defenders (HRED), Indigenous Peoples and local communities by encroaching on their land, their livelihoods, and their right to Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) by not being consulted on the development of mining operations. Even though attacks against marginalised groups have increased, so too has scrutiny on companies. Drivers for this heightened scrutiny include communities saying ‘no’ to energy transitions that do not protect their human rights, HRED’s successful campaigns in holding companies accountable, and growing global recognition that companies must address their human rights impacts. So what can companies do? Consider the impact of climate action through a human rights lens is critical. Conduct human rights and environmental due diligence that places rights holders at the centre. Involve rights holders in the co-creation of mining projects that benefits local communities. As Mutuso Dhliwayo, Executive Director, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), states: “Responsible extraction, centring the rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities and vulnerable workers, is the only way to ensure a transition that is fair, so that it can also be fast.”
Business and Human Rights Resource Centre released the Transition Minerals Tracker: 2022 Analysis (June 2023):