4.3.4
Metals: Social Issues
Working Conditions & Human Rights
Working Conditions & Human Rights
Poor working conditions and human rights concerns are some of the key social issues associated with the use of metals.
![Illustrative background for Labour rights and working conditions](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/83ffb967-0ad8-4a24-af9b-aad84afadb56/shutterstock_611772554,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Labour rights and working conditions ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/83ffb967-0ad8-4a24-af9b-aad84afadb56/shutterstock_611772554,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Labour rights and working conditions
Labour rights and working conditions
- Metal extraction and production involve intensive labour.
- For example, mining operations and manufacturing processes.
- Workers face hazardous working conditions, low wages, long hours, and limited access to basic labour rights.
![Illustrative background for Child labour and exploitation](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/cc601939-07e1-4932-a8cd-cf50ae953b9b/indian-children-school-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Child labour and exploitation ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/cc601939-07e1-4932-a8cd-cf50ae953b9b/indian-children-school-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Child labour and exploitation
Child labour and exploitation
- In some regions, the mining and production of metals have been linked to child labour and exploitative practices.
- Children may be involved in dangerous mining activities.
- This deprives children of education.
- This subjects children to physical harm.
- This subjects children to mental harm.
![Illustrative background for Conflict minerals](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2021-07/6f108cbf-7e41-41cf-bb85-45781dfffcdb/jingming-pan-iYsrkq5qq0Q-unsplash,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Conflict minerals ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2021-07/6f108cbf-7e41-41cf-bb85-45781dfffcdb/jingming-pan-iYsrkq5qq0Q-unsplash,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Conflict minerals
Conflict minerals
- Certain metals are associated with conflicts.
- For example, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold are associated with conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Conflict minerals can be used to finance armed groups and perpetuate violence.
![Illustrative background for Indigenous rights and land displacement](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/80260e34-5f66-4922-b489-df54c4507f79/shutterstock_230451178,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Indigenous rights and land displacement ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/80260e34-5f66-4922-b489-df54c4507f79/shutterstock_230451178,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Indigenous rights and land displacement
Indigenous rights and land displacement
- Metal mining often takes place near lands that were inhabited by indigenous communities.
- The extraction of metals can infringe upon the rights of indigenous peoples.
- The extraction of metal can lead to:
- Land displacement
- Environmental degradation
- Loss of cultural heritage
Environmental Impact & Mining Practices
Environmental Impact & Mining Practices
The use of metals can give rise to several social issues, depending on factors such as mining practices and environmental impact.
![Illustrative background for Environmental Impact](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/4a95b26e-686c-4fe6-a2b7-e82bb3f046f4/slash-burn-trees-forest-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Environmental Impact ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/4a95b26e-686c-4fe6-a2b7-e82bb3f046f4/slash-burn-trees-forest-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Environmental Impact
Environmental Impact
- The extraction of metals can have severe environmental consequences.
- Mining operations can cause deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution.
- This leads to ecological imbalances.
- This harms local communities.
![Illustrative background for Health and safety risks](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/eed73aaf-2f17-4ddf-af0c-ace23e72010b/shutterstock_503631148,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Health and safety risks ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/eed73aaf-2f17-4ddf-af0c-ace23e72010b/shutterstock_503631148,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Health and safety risks
Health and safety risks
- Metal mining can expose workers and nearby communities to health hazards.
- Exposure to toxic substances like lead and mercury can have long-term health effects.
- For example, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and developmental issues.
![Illustrative background for Waste management](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/1075c960-d8fd-4ce6-8250-4af5db020033/shutterstock_522937024,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Waste management ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/1075c960-d8fd-4ce6-8250-4af5db020033/shutterstock_522937024,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Waste management
Waste management
- The production of metals generates significant amounts of waste.
- For example, hazardous byproducts.
- The improper management of metal waste can result in pollution of water bodies, soil, and air.
- This poses risks to human health and ecosystems.
![Illustrative background for Supply chain transparency](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/e37549d4-3795-41c1-9b33-2b5fd389635a/shutterstock_725745001,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Supply chain transparency ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/e37549d4-3795-41c1-9b33-2b5fd389635a/shutterstock_725745001,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Supply chain transparency
Supply chain transparency
- The complex global supply chains for metals often lack transparency.
- This makes it difficult to trace the origin and conditions under which metals are produced.
- This makes it difficult to address social and environmental issues.
1Core Technical Principles
1.1New & Emerging Technologies
1.2Energy Generation & Storage
1.3Developments in New Materials
1.4Systems Approach to Designing
1.5Mechanical Devices
1.6Materials Categories
2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles
2.1Selection of Materials
2.2Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses
2.3Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint
2.4Paper & Board: Sources & Origins
2.5Paper & Board: Using Materials
2.6Paper & Board: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
2.7Paper & Board: Scales of Production
2.8Paper & Board: Specialist Techniques & Processes
2.9Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes
3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles
3.1Timber: Selection of Materials
3.2Timber: Forces & Stresses
3.3Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint
3.4Timber: Sources & Origins
3.5Timber: Using Materials
3.6Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
3.7Timber: Scales of Production
3.8Timber: Specialist Techniques & Processes
3.9Timber: Surface Treatments & Finishes
4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles
4.1Metals: Selection of Materials
4.2Metals: Forces & Stresses
4.3Metals: Ecological & Social Footprint
4.4Metals: Sources & Origins
4.5Metals: Alloy-Based Materials
4.6Metals: Using Materials
4.7Metals: Scales of Production
4.8Metals: Specialist Techniques & Processes
4.9Metals: Quality Control
4.10Metals: Surface Treatments & Finishes
5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles
5.1Polymers
5.2Polymer Categories
5.3Polymer Forms
5.4Polymer Production, Techniques & Quality Control
6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles
6.1Textile Materials
6.2Selection of Materials
6.3Forces & Stresses
7Designing & Making Principles
7.1Investigation & Data
7.2Environmental, Social & Economic Challenges
7.3The Work of Others
7.4Design Strategies
7.5Communication of Design Ideas
7.6Prototype Development
7.7Selection of Materials
7.8Tolerances
7.9Material Management
7.10Specialist Equipment
7.11Specialist Techniques & Processes
Jump to other topics
1Core Technical Principles
1.1New & Emerging Technologies
1.2Energy Generation & Storage
1.3Developments in New Materials
1.4Systems Approach to Designing
1.5Mechanical Devices
1.6Materials Categories
2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles
2.1Selection of Materials
2.2Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses
2.3Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint
2.4Paper & Board: Sources & Origins
2.5Paper & Board: Using Materials
2.6Paper & Board: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
2.7Paper & Board: Scales of Production
2.8Paper & Board: Specialist Techniques & Processes
2.9Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes
3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles
3.1Timber: Selection of Materials
3.2Timber: Forces & Stresses
3.3Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint
3.4Timber: Sources & Origins
3.5Timber: Using Materials
3.6Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
3.7Timber: Scales of Production
3.8Timber: Specialist Techniques & Processes
3.9Timber: Surface Treatments & Finishes
4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles
4.1Metals: Selection of Materials
4.2Metals: Forces & Stresses
4.3Metals: Ecological & Social Footprint
4.4Metals: Sources & Origins
4.5Metals: Alloy-Based Materials
4.6Metals: Using Materials
4.7Metals: Scales of Production
4.8Metals: Specialist Techniques & Processes
4.9Metals: Quality Control
4.10Metals: Surface Treatments & Finishes
5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles
5.1Polymers
5.2Polymer Categories
5.3Polymer Forms
5.4Polymer Production, Techniques & Quality Control
6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles
6.1Textile Materials
6.2Selection of Materials
6.3Forces & Stresses
7Designing & Making Principles
7.1Investigation & Data
7.2Environmental, Social & Economic Challenges
7.3The Work of Others
7.4Design Strategies
7.5Communication of Design Ideas
7.6Prototype Development
7.7Selection of Materials
7.8Tolerances
7.9Material Management
7.10Specialist Equipment
7.11Specialist Techniques & Processes
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