This week, I found an article in the NY Times highlighting the discovery of copper deposits underneath Zambia's soils.
We all know about AI - its potential and how it is destined to shape our lives in the future. But like every other revolution, such as the Green Revolution or the Industrial Revolution, at the bottom of these revolution chains, the essential resources required to fuel them always come from our planet. In the case of AI, it is water and copper.
The article notes that the hunger for copper fuels the rivalry between modern nations such as the United States and China. But when such rivalry plays out in a region mired with extreme poverty and hardships, it often leads to modern slavery.
The human trafficking risk factors in the copper supply chain are well documented. Every major copper producer has a statement on how they are producing copper responsibly. However, the demand for copper has grown exponentially due to the AI boom. This aggressive hunt for copper, in turn, increases the risk of modern slavery.
It is ironic because AI is also seen as a vital tool to fight modern slavery. By spotting odd patterns and using data science techniques, AI can aid law enforcement agencies in combating human trafficking. And yet, this very same technology, due to its need for copper, can also be a reason to cause human trafficking.
The good news is, according to the International Copper Association, copper is an entirely circular material. It is already embodied in so many of our products today. By generating awareness of its circular practices and incentivizing different points within the copper recycling chain, we can ensure that this copper can remain in circulation for as long as possible. By extending the useful life of copper, we would reduce the demand for copper, which would relieve the pressure for aggressive practices such as forced labor in inhumane conditions.
Using techniques like blockchain, we can create incentives at copper collection depots, scrap dealers, and recycling plants to record transactions and facilitate the circular lifecycle for copper. Not only will this create new opportunities, but the transparency in the supply chain itself will be an effective measure to combat modern slavery.
References:
Bearak, M. (2024, July 11). A.I. Needs Copper. It Just Helped to Find Millions of Tons of It. New York Times. Retrieved July 20, 2024, from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/climate/kobold-zambia-copper-ai-mining.html
Verité | Human Trafficking Risk Factors in Copper Production in Africa. (2022, January 20). Verité. https://verite.org/africa/explore-by-commodity/copper
Circular Economy. (n.d.). International Copper Association. https://internationalcopper.org/sustainable-copper/circular-economy
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