546 JRE Review of Siddharth Kara

The global demand for minerals like cobalt, copper, and lithium—essential for smartphones, electric vehicles, and data centers—relies on a supply chain rooted in the exploitation of artisanal miners in the Congo. Siddharth Kara’s research reveals that this industry frequently involves child labor, forced conditions, and severe environmental contamination, with heavy metals polluting local water sources at levels far exceeding safety standards. This systemic abuse persists because corporations prioritize cost-efficiency, effectively distancing themselves from the human suffering at the bottom of the chain. Drawing parallels to the 18th-century slave ship *Zong*, the discussion highlights how economic systems can dehumanize individuals to justify exploitation. Meaningful change requires moving beyond corporate slogans toward transparent, independently audited supply chains and direct investment in community infrastructure, ensuring that technological progress does not come at the expense of human lives and environmental health.