23rd Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Rare Earth Minerals

Prof. Miloš Ivković delivered a speech that underscored the critical global challenges associated with critical minerals. He emphasized their significance for contemporary technology, economic advancement, and national security. Ivković elucidated that these minerals, essential for industries and defense systems, often originate from regions where supply chains are susceptible to corruption, exploitation, and geopolitical manipulation.

He cautioned that the substantial profits and scarcity of these resources frequently incentivize illegal practices such as corruption, human rights violations, and child labor within mining communities.

Ivković further warned that these abuses are exacerbated when foreign entities gain control of mineral resources in developing nations. Referencing corruption patterns identified by Transparency International, he contended that countries abundant in critical minerals often rank among the most corrupt due to the exploitation of weak governance systems by powerful external actors. Ivković presented disturbing testimonies from congressional hearings where children in mining regions were reportedly subjected to arduous labor conditions, physical abuse, and exposure to hazardous materials.

The professor asserted that such practices violate international law, including prohibitions against forced labor and child exploitation. He urged democratic nations to take legal and ethical action by initiating international criminal proceedings against companies, governments, and individuals implicated in these abuses. He also advocated for legislators worldwide to enact laws prohibiting the importation of minerals extracted through child labor or conflict-driven exploitation and imposing sanctions on responsible entities.

In his concluding remarks, Ivković cautioned that foreign investment strategies, often involving loans, investment agreements, and corruption, can lead to external control over strategic mineral resources. He argued that this creates long-term dependency and undermines national sovereignty while perpetuating exploitation. He urged governments to take decisive action to safeguard vulnerable communities, ensure ethical supply chains, and prevent further human suffering associated with the global demand for critical minerals.