Shifting ground: Human rights, Chinese investment and the rush for transition minerals
Chalefun Ditphudee / Earthrights International
The energy transition is fuelling a global competition to secure access to key transition minerals, with Chinese overseas investment playing a critical role. Through their domination over global supply chains for these minerals and their strong position in renewable energy technology manufacturing, China’s intensified investment has led to a surge in human rights harms at an alarming rate, with serious consequences for frontline communities, including Indigenous Peoples and the environment.
New analysis reveals a steady increase in human rights and environmental harms associated with Chinese overseas investment in minerals crucial for the energy transition. Published by the Business and Human Rights Centre, the report highlights a steady year-on-year increase in allegations of abuse since 2021, combined with an increasingly fraught environment for human rights defenders being silenced for speaking out against companies.
The findings paint a concerning picture in transition mineral supply chains associated with Chinese companies – with urgent action needed to prevent further escalating harm.
BHRC
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Between 2023 and 2025, 326 allegations of abuse were linked to Chinese companies' overseas investments in transition minerals, bringing the total to 434 allegations from 2021-2025 – with increases every year since 2021. Ten Chinese companies alone accounted for nearly two-thirds (65%) of all allegations of abuse.
There has been a steady year-on-year increase in allegations of abuse since 2021
Amid the rising risk of harm, there have been some initial steps towards stronger human rights commitments – but gaps persist when it comes to delivering meaningful change for workers and community on the ground.
Signs of progress have included more detailed company engagement with allegations, stronger references to international human rights standards, and a growing body of Chinese regulations and industry guidance on responsible overseas mining. Despite this, many Chinese mining and metals companies still appear to be turning a blind eye to human rights abuses in their supply chains, highlighting need for improved transparency as the first step in accountability. Alarmingly, the three companies connected to the highest number of allegations – one third of all allegations recorded – all have public human rights policies in place, raising critical questions about policy implementation and commitment.
Key findings
434
allegations of abuse
recorded since 2021, representing a year-on-year upward trend
179
allegations affected local communities
particularly impacts on livelihoods, personal health and land rights
18
human rights defenders attacked for raising concerns
between 2023 and 2025
27%
response rate from Chinese companies when asked about allegations of abuse
up from 18% previously
Given their central role in energy transition supply chains, Chinese companies have the influence to help drive a just and fair transition.
Engaging in meaningful stakeholder dialogue and ensuring rights-based operational approaches at early stages are not nice-to-have features but essential imperatives, without which they are likely to see serious financial risks with resistance and action leading to litigation, permit withdrawals, work stoppages and strikes.
Preventing those outcomes and contributing to a just energy transition is possible and must be grounded in shared prosperity that builds public trust, fair negotiations to ensure a stable investment environment, and robust human rights and environmental due diligence to prevent and mitigate harms.
