Metal and mineral mining in Bolivia and Peru

What is happening?

The energy transition is driving up global demand for metals that are essential for batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. Bolivia and Peru are among the largest producers of copper, zinc, silver, tin, molybdenum and lead. However, miners often work in hazardous conditions: accidents, injuries, exposure to hazardous chemicals and work-related illnesses are common. In Peru, there are additional risks due to the extremely high proportion – 68 per cent – of miners working without a direct contract. In many cases, this leads to lower wages, a lack of social protection, no payment for overtime and a greater risk of accidents.

Our approach

CNV Internationaal works in three ways to bring about improvements in Bolivia and Peru:

1. The Fair Work Monitor highlights abuses such as forced labour, discrimination against agency workers and a lack of trade union freedom.
2. CNV Internationaal is the project leader in the collective OSH project ‘Improving Occupational Health & Safety @ work in Andean mines’, together with Tata Steel Nederland and Wuppermann Staal Nederland. This project focuses on identifying health and safety risks and embedding due diligence measures within the metals supply chain.
3. CNV Internationaal supports trade unions in Peru in the fight against extreme outsourcing, which has led to amendments to Peruvian legislation.

Our impact

The safety project in Bolivia and Peru is reaching 10,000 miners and increasing transparency in the metals supply chain.

Thanks to the Fair Work Monitor, trade unions have access to robust data to highlight abuses. The legislative amendment in Peru against extreme outsourcing is a direct result of long-term cooperation between CNV Internationaal and local unions. These changes improve the position of miners, enhance trade union freedom and contribute to safer working conditions in the mining sector.

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