Case study: The digital device life cycle: From mining to e-waste


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Date

2021

Publication Type

Report

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

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Abstract

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.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Development Co‑operation Report 2021: Shaping a Just Digital Transformation

Volume

Pages / Article No.

204 - 210

Publisher

OECD Publishing

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Organisational unit

03808 - Günther, Isabel / Günther, Isabel check_circle

Notes

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