Global Sustainability, Local Injustice: Evidence from the Mining Sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

This thesis examines the contradictions of sustainable development through the example of the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country rich in copper and cobalt—key resources for the global ecological transition. Despite this wealth, local communities continue to face harsh working conditions, land dispossession, and severe environmental damage. The first part introduces the concept of sustainable development and its tensions, especially in relation to the rising demand for critical raw materials driven by EU policies. The second part presents evidence of exploitation in the DRC: child labor, unsafe conditions, land grabbing, and environmental degradation. The discussion then explores the role of multinational corporations, the impact of European directives, and the power imbalances that exclude local populations from the benefits of extraction. Finally, the thesis reflects on possible solutions, including ethical certifications, stronger due diligence, and the need for local and international institutions to better protect human rights and promote a truly inclusive ecological transition.