Allegations of human rights abuses at transition mineral mines in Africa rose to 100 in 2025, more than double the 45 cases reported in 2024. The surge highlights growing operational and reputational risks for mining companies as global demand for copper, cobalt, and lithium intensifies.
Human rights abuse allegations linked to mines producing critical minerals for the global energy transition have surged significantly. A recent report by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) highlights that these claims in Africa reached 100 in 2025, a sharp increase from 45 cases in 2024. This trend follows a broader global pattern, where total allegations across the sector rose by 73% to 329 cases within the same period.
Operational and Social Risks for Mining Firms
The report tracks nine essential minerals, including copper, cobalt, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements. As global demand for these resources grows, mining operations in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are facing increased scrutiny. The DRC alone was the site of 56 recorded allegations in 2025. Common grievances globally involve worker concerns, including low wages, unsafe work environments, and reported fatalities. For investors, these findings underscore the rising risk of community resistance, which led to at least 27 mine suspensions or closures worldwide during 2025.
Environmental and Legal Challenges
Environmental safety is a growing area of concern, particularly following the February 2025 collapse of a tailings dam at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine. This incident resulted in the release of approximately 50 million litres of toxic waste into the Kafue River system. The event has led to a lawsuit against the parent company, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Corporation (CNMC), representing a major legal and financial liability risk. Other projects, such as the Makuutu rare earth project in Uganda, also faced their first formal allegations in 2025, involving disputes over land use and water resources between local communities and project developer Rwenzori Rare Metals, an entity linked to Australia-based Ionic Rare Earths.
Corporate Accountability and Investor Impact
The study highlights a significant gap in corporate governance, noting that only 56% of the 155 mines facing allegations have publicly accessible human rights policies. While larger entities like Glencore and Rio Tinto maintain established human rights frameworks, many other companies operate with limited transparency. Furthermore, threats against human rights defenders have increased by 50%, with 42 such attacks documented in 2025. Investors are increasingly evaluating these ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, as poor oversight can lead to costly project delays, litigation, and severe reputational damage. The ability of mining firms to manage community relations and environmental safeguards will remain a critical monitorable for long-term project viability and risk management.