A new study from researchers at the University of Exeter concludes that accelerating the global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) could save substantially more lives through reduced air pollution and climate change than the number of fatalities associated with artisanal cobalt mining.
The research, accepted for publication in the journal Global Sustainability, examines the trade-offs surrounding the mining of critical minerals used in EV batteries and the public health benefits of replacing petrol and diesel vehicles with electric alternatives.
Comparing Mining Risks With Climate Impacts
Concerns have been raised over working conditions in artisanal and small-scale cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which supplies around 70% of the world’s cobalt. Approximately 12% of the country’s cobalt production comes from artisanal mining, while the remainder is produced through industrial operations.
Using available mining and vehicle production data, the study estimates that roughly one artisanal mining death in the DRC is associated with every 100,000 electric vehicles manufactured.
By comparison, the researchers estimate that the lifetime emissions from approximately 100 petrol or diesel vehicles contribute to one future heat-related death caused by climate change. In addition, about one death from air pollution is linked to every 300 conventional vehicles over their operating lifetimes.
The analysis suggests that replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with EVs would prevent far more deaths globally than those associated with artisanal cobalt extraction.
Climate Change Disproportionately Affects Vulnerable Communities
Lead author Professor Tim Lenton of the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute said the findings highlight the broader humanitarian benefits of reducing fossil fuel use while emphasizing the need to improve mining conditions.
“Climate change is deeply unjust—it disproportionately harms poorer people worldwide, while being largely caused by rich people.”
“So, rather than slowing climate action, supposedly in the name of justice, the focus should be on improving safety for miners, including artisanal miners in DRC.”
“There is no doubt that the benefits of the green transition—the harms it avoids both globally and for the least advantaged people—far outweigh any harms it causes.”
Reducing Long-Term Health Risks
The researchers estimate that the world’s fleet of approximately 1.5 billion cars and vans currently emits around 3.8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
At current emission levels, a single year’s vehicle emissions could contribute to between 520,000 and 1.5 million heat-related deaths globally by the year 2300.
The study also notes that even within the Democratic Republic of the Congo itself, the number of future heat-related deaths avoided through a global shift to electric vehicles would exceed fatalities linked to artisanal cobalt mining.
Lenton argued that while mining safety should remain a priority, delaying the transition away from fossil fuels would expose far more people to climate-related risks.
“When industries expand or new industries are created, risks will inevitably emerge.”
“These risks need to be managed and reduced, noting that workers in fossil fuel extraction industries also face risks.”
He added that unlike fossil fuels, many critical minerals can be reused through recycling, reducing the need for continuous extraction over the long term.
“While we must urgently ensure safe and fair conditions for workers in every part of the green transition, slowing the transition is unjustified and unjust.”
