The problem with mobile phone production

From the outside, all you see is metal, glass and plastic, but a smartphone contains around 60 different materials, including very rare and valuable metals such as gold, platinum and cobalt. All of these raw materials have to be extracted in mines, often in countries in Africa or Asia. This causes many problems for the environment and people.

Mining of raw materials

For example, forests are cleared and mountains blown up to obtain the raw materials, which drives many animals out of their habitat. In addition, toxic chemicals are often used in the mining process. These sometimes contaminate the soil and water to such an extent that people can no longer live near the mines.

The longer you use your mobile phone, the fewer new ones need to be made.

Working conditions in the mines are often very poor: many mines are poorly secured and can collapse. People usually have to work far too long, are not protected from accidents and earn little money. In some countries, even children have to work in the mines.

Production and transport

The extracted raw materials are transported to various countries (such as China or India) where they are used in factories to manufacture smartphones. People often work in poor conditions in the factories too.

Another problem is that mobile phone factories need a lot of electricity. This often comes from power stations that pollute the air with exhaust fumes. The raw materials and finished mobile phones are transported around the world by plane, ship or lorry. This also produces exhaust fumes that harm the environment and the climate.

What can you do?

• Use it for longer: Don't buy a new smartphone so often. The longer you use your mobile phone, the fewer new ones need to be produced.
• Pass it on: If your old mobile phone still works, give it away or sell it so that it can be reused.
• Dispose of it correctly: Take your broken smartphone to a collection centre. This is because many of the materials in it can be recycled and used for new devices. This saves raw materials and energy.