Home / Environment / Tech Fuels Illegal Mining in Latin America
Tech Fuels Illegal Mining in Latin America
21 Oct
Summary
- Criminals use satellite internet for illegal mining logistics.
- Drones are employed by criminal groups for surveillance.
- Social media markets mercury for illegal gold mining.
A human rights commission has urged governments to enhance oversight of technologies exploited by criminal organizations in Latin America. Satellite internet, drones, and online platforms are aiding illegal mining and activities that threaten forests and communities. The Office of the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) highlighted concerns about the diversion of technology for illicit purposes.
REDESCA noted that satellite internet services, such as Starlink, facilitate the coordination of illegal mining operations in remote areas. Drones are utilized by armed groups for surveillance and territorial control, with over 670 incidents involving weaponized drones recorded across Latin America since 2018. Social media, including TikTok, is also used to market mercury, a toxic substance used in illegal gold mining.
The commission emphasized that while these technologies are misused by criminals, they can also empower Indigenous communities. Satellite imagery, GPS mapping, and drones can aid in detecting deforestation and illegal mining, providing evidence and enhancing safety. REDESCA called for tightened controls on technology transfers and encouraged companies to assess potential misuse of their products and services.
