An estimated 50 to 80 percent of transition minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, nickel, and graphite are said to be embedded in areas close to human settlements, putting indigenous people at greater risk.
At the launch of an Oxafam Ghana report on mining in Accra, panelists unanimously called for more responsible mining for human and environmental safety.
In 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) when it comes to mining. Despite this, many governments continue to fall short in protecting such rights.
At the launch of a report on mining amid climate change by Oxafam Ghana, stakeholders mentioned the principle of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) as one of the most important legal rights for the indigenes of mining areas.
They said in the future, mining, which is set to expand to meet decarbonisation goals globally under the climate change agenda, can only proceed with the full support and consent of indigenous people in the mining areas.
Prior to the launch of its report, Oxfam Ghana examined the publicly available corporate policies of 43 mining companies engaged in the exploration and production of the minerals used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Oxfam called on Governments to enforce laws requiring mining companies to implement human rights and environmental due diligence.
