Lithium is considered “white gold”. The lightest metal in the world is indispensable for e-cars and smartphones and is therefore very competitive. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accuses China of using “slave labor” to drive down prices.
According to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the cheaper price for lithium from China is due to forced labour. “If we’re being honest, Canadian-produced lithium will be more expensive because we don’t use slave labor,” Trudeau told the Council on Foreign Relations think tank in New York on Friday.
Trudeau also cited environmental protection, working with indigenous peoples, paying a living wage and meeting safety standards as other reasons. There was initially no comment from China.
China is the largest lithium producer
After the supply problems during the coronavirus pandemic, Canada wants to rely more on domestic resources. China is the world’s largest producer of lithium, which is used in e-car batteries, among other things. The US also accuses China of using forced labor in mining, for example.
Most cobalt mines in the DRC are also operated, financed or owned by Chinese companies, according to a report from the US Department of Labor. Child labor is used.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
