Lithium-ion batteries have growing ties to China’s Xinjiang province

Electric VehiclesHigh Tech / High TouchTrade & Border IssuesHot Spots
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

🔋 Lithium-ion batteries have a disturbing tie to forced labor in China’s Xinjiang province.

One of the world’s largest producers of the highly sought-after material is Ganfeng Lithium Co., a Chinese company that is now partnering with an entity to explore the possibility of developing lithium, nickel, and other critical metals in Xinjiang. Both activists and Western governments have condemned the region for the enslavement of Uyghurs and other Muslim citizens in the region and this comes on the heels of countries like the U.S. sanctioning companies that operate in the region. Electric vehicle makers such as Tesla and BMW AG have partnerships with Ganfeng Lithium, drawing deep criticism from investors and consumers of electric vehicles.

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Jennifer Joslyn
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