Development Co‑Operation Report

Journal: Development Co‑Operation Report

OECD Publishing

2074-773X
2074-7721

Publications1 - 1 of 1

Case study: The digital device life cycle: From mining to e-waste
Van der Merwe, Antoinette; Brugger, Fritz (2021)
Development Co‑Operation Report ~ Development Co‑operation Report 2021: Shaping a Just Digital Transformation
The world’s appetite for digital devices has significant economic, social and ecological consequences for developing countries. It is contributing to a mining boom and shifting manufacturing. While this demand offers potential economic growth for low- and middle-income countries – the source for many of the raw materials for ICT products – mining jobs are often precarious and unsafe. ICT products in turn contribute to the world’s growing streams of hazardous e-waste, for which low- and middle-income countries are often the dumping ground. Governments with minerals in high demand for ICTs should leverage their position to maximise the economic benefits. Regulation of e‑waste recycling is also necessary to combat health and safety risks.

Publications1 - 1 of 1