On the occasion of World Earth Day and in the run-up to the 2022 Global Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, OECD’s Luca Maiotti and Benjamin Katz take a look at what the clean energy transition will mean in the world of mining mineral resources.
Instances of abuse of force by private and public security forces in artisanal, small-scale and large-scale mining operations around the world are increasingly being reported. Companies in mineral supply chains are expected to identify such risks and take action. DCAF, ICRC and OECD have developed a number of tools and initiatives to support this.
The rapidly increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is accompanied by a number of potential risks related to human rights. Focusing on relevant areas such as the right to privacy, non-discrimination, fair trials and freedom of expression, the OECD’s Rashad Abelson looks at how OECD guidance can be applied to AI systems throughout their lifecycle and provide a framework for considering these issues holistically.
Over recent years, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector has received unprecedented levels of interest from producing governments, to consumer-facing companies sourcing components globally, to international NGOs calling for responsible sourcing of minerals used in batteries and electric vehicles. And with good reason. Artisanal and small-scale miners supply an increasing share of the world’s production of various commodities, such as construction minerals, precious stones, gold and cobalt. The industry employs an estimated 42.6 million people globally. To help maximise the contribution of the ASM sector to local economies, the OECD and the Extractive Industries Transparency initiative work together with actors from producing nations.
On the level 