The Ethical Imperative

Alicia Amberg

Executive Director

Executive Director’s Message

The Ethical Imperative

Why we must produce more minerals in the United States

By Alicia Amberg

t’s highly likely that the smartphone in your hand was made in part by a child as young as six years old.

That’s a dramatic but accurate way to describe how Americans and other first-world, developed countries necessarily participate in the horror of child and slave labor by purchasing and using smartphones. Sound crazy? Yes. Sadly, it’s true. How can this be?

In today’s hyper-connected world, the demand for critical minerals and metals has reached record levels. Every modern convenience that we require needs them: electric vehicles, renewable energy, and yes, advanced electronics. Among these essential resources, cobalt stands out as a vital component, powering batteries that drive our modern lives. Unfortunately, most of the global cobalt production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, or DRC, where cobalt mines use slave labor, child labor, and have deplorable safety standards.

We at AGC of Alaska believe the United States should lead the way in producing critical minerals domestically, championing ethical supply chains and setting an example for responsible sourcing. We have tremendous mineral resources in Alaska: gold, silver, copper, zinc, graphite, cobalt, lead, rare earth elements, and other minerals make us an energy powerhouse. Some of these resources are mined. Others sit in the ground, seeking investment, permits, or both.

The Open Secret on the Other Side of the Globe

Renowned human rights activist and author Siddarth Kara’s book, Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives, shines a bright light on the exploitation and suffering associated with Congolese cobalt mining. The book vividly reveals alarming practices, including young children forced to work in dangerous conditions without safety equipment or even compensation. Worse, the global community knows all about it. But the minerals produced in Congo and purchased by Chinese companies are too critical to modern life, so we all essentially look the other way; we give it a pass because we really like—no, NEED—our phones.

Economic Incentives and Local Job Creation

Producing critical minerals in the United States (and we have so much more than just cobalt within our borders) not only promotes ethical practices but also provides significant economic advantages. Domestic production stimulates local job creation, reducing unemployment rates and boosting the national economy. Again, Alaska has the mineral resources to lead here.

Promoting Human Rights and Environmental Stewardship

Unlike countries such as the DRC, the United States adheres to international labor standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. We also demand developers meet stringent environmental regulations that ensure any development protects the surrounding area. This is decidedly not the case in many countries where resources are pulled from the ground with little or no regard for sustainability.

Reducing Dependence on Unstable Regions

We talk a lot in Alaska about energy independence and how increasing our domestic oil and natural gas production would help the United States achieve that goal. And it’s true that we have enough oil and gas essentially to take care of our energy needs here in America for many years. The same is true of critical minerals, rare earths, and other mined products. We have the resources; we just need the policies and public will to demand they be developed.

Technological Leadership and Innovation

Developing domestic production capabilities for critical minerals would position the United States as a leader in technological innovation. Some of the world’s biggest advancements in resource extraction were developed in Alaska due to our unique geology and climate. We can and should do more of this. By nurturing a robust domestic supply chain, the United States can foster research and development, driving even more advancements in extraction techniques, recycling technologies, and sustainable practices.

The time has more than come for the United States to lead the way in ensuring our energy and mineral needs are met in an ethical, environmentally sound way. Relying on brutal dictatorships that force children to work to meet our needs is not only immoral but it leaves our country at geopolitical risk and is unsustainable in the long term.

The best way to fix these problems is to take the reins and do the work ourselves. We have a way; we just need the will.

Then—and only then—we can all rest in good conscience, knowing our convenient way of life is not brought to us on the backs of children and at a detriment to our planet.

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