4.3.2

Metals: Social Footprint

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Social Footprint of Metals

The social footprint of metals refers to the social impact of metal materials.

Illustrative background for Health and safetyIllustrative background for Health and safety ?? "content

Health and safety

  • Metal mining and processing can pose significant risks to workers' health and safety.
    • For example, exposure to toxic substances, accidents, and occupational diseases.
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Community impacts

  • Metal extraction projects can impact local communities.
    • For example, land displacement, loss of livelihoods, conflict over resources, and changes in traditional ways of life.
  • Disruptions to communities can lead to social tensions.
    • For example, challenges in achieving sustainable development.
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Human rights

  • The mining and production of metals can be associated with human rights abuses.
    • For example, child labour, unsafe working conditions, and forced labour.
  • Human rights abuses are more prevalent in regions where regulations and labour standards are weaker.
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Supply chain transparency

  • The complex global supply chains for metals can make it difficult to trace the origins of raw materials.
    • This can lead to unethical practices or the use of conflict minerals.
  • It is crucial to ensure transparency and responsible sourcing for social concerns.
Illustrative background for Mitigating social footprintsIllustrative background for Mitigating social footprints ?? "content

Mitigating social footprints

  • Efforts are being made by industry, governments, and civil society organisations to mitigate the social footprint of metals.
    • For example, responsible sourcing initiatives and efforts to improve working conditions.

Jump to other topics

1Core Technical Principles

2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7Designing & Making Principles

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