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Critical raw materials: According to a UN study, the environmental impacts of mining must be better distributed

The mining of cobalt, lithium, and nickel is exacerbating water shortages and health risks worldwide. A UN study calls for greater fairness in the extraction of the raw materials needed for modern technologies.

Urmi Goswami

30. April 2026

Urmi Goswami

30. April 2026

IMAGO / Anadolu Agency — Lithium mining, such as here in Chile’s Atacama Desert, requires large amounts of water. (Chile Advances as World Leader in Lithium Extraction ATACAMA SALT FLAT, CHILE - JULY 29: Mining trucks load lithium sulfate, are seen in Atacama Salt Flat, Chile, on July 29, 2024. The South American country seeks to become the main lithium extractor and exporter country in the world, seeking to satisfy the growing global demand for lithium carbonate. To this end, the Chilean state-owned National Copper Corporation - in Spanish - (Codelco) signed an agreement with the private Sociedad Química y Minera - in Spanish - (SQM), which has permitted to exploit lithium in the Salar de Atacama, ( north ), whose association will leave Chile as the mining leader in the world.)

Last updated: 30. April 2026

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Critical raw materials: According to a UN study, the environmental impacts of mining must be better distributed

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