Human Rights Concerns Grow as Africa’s Critical Minerals Boom Accelerates

The rapid global push for clean energy technologies is driving a surge in demand for Africa’s critical minerals, but a new report warns that the mining boom is also being accompanied by a sharp increase in human rights and environmental abuses across the continent.

According to the latest Transition Minerals Tracker released by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, allegations of abuses linked to the extraction of minerals used in clean energy technologies rose significantly during 2025. The organisation recorded 329 allegations worldwide, representing a 73% increase compared to the previous year, with Africa experiencing the largest regional increase.

The report attributes the growing number of incidents to the expanding race for minerals such as cobalt, copper, lithium and rare earth elements, which are essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems and other low-carbon technologies.

Researchers recorded 100 allegations of human rights abuses associated with transition mineral mining across Africa during 2025. They noted that half of the reported cases were linked to just 10 large international mining companies operating on the continent.

Joseph Kibugu, the organisation’s Africa Regional Manager, said the increase comes as global governments and investors continue signing strategic mineral agreements with African countries to secure long-term supplies of critical resources. He warned that many of these agreements are negotiated without sufficient consultation with local communities or adequate safeguards to protect human rights and the environment.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia accounted for the highest number of reported incidents. The DRC, which produces around three-quarters of the world’s cobalt, has long faced concerns over conflict minerals, illegal mining activities and security challenges surrounding mining operations.

The report alleges that security forces have been deployed to protect certain mining sites and that some military personnel have been implicated in the illegal occupation of mining concessions following efforts to remove artisanal miners. Rights organisations have raised concerns that increased militarisation around mining operations could lead to further displacement of local communities and additional human rights violations.

The issue has gained greater international attention following recent sanctions announced by the United States targeting networks accused of smuggling conflict minerals from eastern DRC to finance armed groups operating in the region.

In neighbouring Zambia, environmental concerns remain under scrutiny following a major tailings dam failure at a copper mine in 2025. The incident reportedly released millions of litres of contaminated waste into waterways connected to the Kafue River, a vital source of drinking water, irrigation and fishing for surrounding communities. Legal action has since been initiated by affected residents seeking compensation and environmental rehabilitation.

Human rights organisations argue that the continent’s growing importance in the global energy transition should not come at the expense of local communities. They say stronger regulatory oversight, improved environmental management and greater corporate accountability are needed to ensure mining projects contribute to sustainable development.

The Southern African Litigation Centre said weak governance and inadequate enforcement of mining regulations continue to expose communities to environmental degradation and human rights risks as investment in critical minerals accelerates.

Africa holds some of the world’s largest reserves of minerals essential for the global clean energy transition, placing the continent at the centre of future battery manufacturing and renewable energy supply chains. However, experts warn that the long-term success of the sector will depend not only on attracting investment but also on ensuring responsible mining practices that protect workers, communities and the environment.

As international demand for critical minerals continues to grow, calls are mounting for governments, mining companies and investors to strengthen environmental safeguards, improve community engagement and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are shared more equitably across Africa.