Introduction
A new report published by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) reveals a significant increase in human rights abuses related to transition minerals mining worldwide. These minerals are essential for the energy transition and play a critical role in other industries, such as technology and defense.
The Situation in Numbers
According to the BHRRC data, South America is the region with the most abuse allegations related to transition minerals mining over the past 15 years. Approximately 36% of the abuse allegations recorded between 2010 and 2025 were in South America. Many of these allegations involve violations of local community rights, labor rights violations, and attacks against environmental defenders.
In 2025, 17% of the allegations reported worldwide were related to the abuse of Indigenous Peoples' rights, including their right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent before mining activities could take place in their territory.
Data Analysis
Researchers analyzed the BHRRC's Transition Minerals Tracker to identify allegations of abuse related to the mining of nine key transition minerals, including bauxite, cobalt, copper, and lithium. They identified 329 allegations of abuse in 2025, a significant increase from the 156 allegations reported in 2024.
Between 2010 and 2025, Peru had the most reported allegations (174), followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (151) and Chile (137).
Consequences and Challenges
According to the report's author, Blanca Racionero Gomez, the 2025 data really lays bare the cost of conflict: we're seeing project delays and suspensions as a direct result of human rights concerns, which poses a real threat to the transition as a whole.
Conclusion
Human rights abuses related to transition minerals mining are a growing problem that requires immediate attention. It is essential that companies, governments, and civil society organizations work together to ensure that the energy transition is just and respects human rights.