The growing demand for minerals amplifies risks of crime, corruption and supply chain instability. A global push for renewable energy technologies like electric cars and wind turbines brings benefits for the environment and economic opportunities for countries along the supply chain. With this increase in demand, the pressure on mining operations worldwide will intensify, potentially intensifying existing problems, such as corruption, which plays a key role in facilitating minerals crimes. These crimes not only undermine legitimate businesses, but also fuel other criminal activities, such as trafficking in persons, forced labour and environmental degradation. This study shows that organized criminal groups in different regions are involved in illegal mining activities.
The overall goal of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership is to protect human health and the environment from the releases of mercury.