The article from Mail & Guardian's Green Guardian delves into the multifaceted impacts of mining for electric vehicle batteries in Zambia, focusing on forced labour, human trafficking, and environmental crimes. It highlights how the surge in demand for minerals like cobalt and lithium has led to exploitative labour practices, including forced labor and human trafficking in Zambia's mining sector. These practices often affect vulnerable populations, including children, who are coerced into hazardous work conditions. Environmental degradation is another critical issue, with mining operations causing deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination, threatening local ecosystems and community health. The article underscores the need for stringent regulations, enforcement of labor laws, and sustainable mining practices to mitigate these adverse effects. It calls for greater transparency and accountability in the supply chain, urging companies and governments to prioritize ethical sourcing, protect human rights, and minimize environmental harm in the pursuit of renewable energy solutions.