While the growing use of green technology is a necessary part of tackling climate change a new report warns that if these resources are not properly managed they could fuel conflict and violence.

The report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development applauds the global surge in demand for green technologies and tracks the full spectrum of minerals required for their production.

It notes that while this should translate into economic boons for communities near required minerals, strategic reserves can become fuel for exploitation if not managed responsibly. The risk is even greater when they are found in countries already struggling with fragility and corruption.

A look at conflict mineral legislation

Report co-author Clare Church says stories of armed groups operating cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo and of riots breaking out around bauxite mining in Guinea are just two examples that have raised this issue’s profile.

“But it’s something that needs to be championed by the same voices correctly calling for a green economic transition. Most of these metals are not covered in existing conflict mineral legislation, with the exception of tin,” she explains.

Previous studies have examined minerals in the wider tech sector or concentrated solely on rechargeable batteries but the report Green Conflict Minerals is the first study to look at the broad swathe of metals needed for low-carbon technologies and point to gaps in the responsible management of supply chains.

Getting our hands dirty

To visualize the report’s findings, an interactive map overlays strategic mineral reserves required for green energy technology with measures of state fragility and corruption (as defined and measured by the Fund for Peace and Transparency International, respectively). The frequent overlap of state weakness with mineral concentration shows how ripe the situation is for abuse.

“There’s no question we need to shift to a low-carbon economy. This technology will get us there,” says Church, “but we need to do it without blood on our hands.”