Chinese Mining Companies Face Friction in Global Expansion
LONDON — In the dead of night, Ai Qing was abruptly awakened by the sound of angry chants outside her dormitory in northern Argentina.
She peered out the window to witness Argentine workers surrounding the compound, blocking the entrance with flaming tires.
“It was a frightening sight, with the fire lighting up the sky. It was chaos,” says Ms Ai, an employee of a Chinese company involved in lithium extraction in the Andes mountains for battery use.
The protest, triggered by the dismissal of several Argentine staff members, is just one of many clashes between Chinese businesses and local communities as China expands its mining operations.
Only a decade ago, a Chinese company acquired Argentina’s first stake in a lithium extraction project within the “lithium triangle” of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, home to most of the world’s lithium reserves.
Since then, Chinese investments in local mining operations have grown, with Chinese companies now controlling around 33% of lithium production globally, according to reports.
However, as Chinese companies expand, they face allegations of misconduct similar to those often associated with other international mining giants.
For Ai Qing, the protest was a wake-up call. She had anticipated a peaceful life in Argentina but found herself involved in conflict resolution due to her Spanish language skills.
“It was a challenging situation,” she says.
“We had to navigate cultural differences and misunderstandings, such as management viewing employees as lazy and overly reliant on unions, while locals believed Chinese individuals were there to exploit them.”
The BBC Global China Unit has identified at least 62 mining projects worldwide where Chinese companies are involved in extracting lithium, cobalt, nickel, or manganese — essential minerals for green technologies like electric vehicles and solar panels.
China has long been a leader in refining lithium and cobalt, controlling a significant portion of global supplies and manufacturing capacities for these minerals.
While China’s involvement has made green technologies more accessible globally, the country’s dominance in the market has raised concerns about environmental and social impacts of mining operations.
Allegations of abuses related to Chinese mining projects have increased, with reports of rights violations, environmental damage, and unsafe working conditions.
Two individuals from different countries shared their experiences with the BBC.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Christophe Kabwita has been leading opposition to the Ruashi cobalt mine, owned by a Chinese company since 2011, citing disruptions to community life and safety hazards from the mining activities.
In Indonesia, villagers in Kawasi have resisted pressure to relocate for a mine owned by a Chinese-Indonesian joint venture, citing environmental degradation and threats from the military.
While companies have denied allegations of wrongdoing, concerns remain about the impact of Chinese mining operations on local communities and the environment.
As China’s role in global mining expands, the need for responsible practices and accountability becomes more urgent to ensure sustainable development and mitigate negative consequences.
Despite the challenges, Chinese workers like Wang Gang continue to seek opportunities in overseas mining projects for financial gain and personal growth.
For Ai Qing and others working far from home, the mining sites offer a mix of challenges and rewards, from cultural exchanges to breathtaking landscapes.
As the demand for green technologies rises, the dynamics of Chinese mining operations abroad will continue to shape the future of the industry and impact communities worldwide.
