Mining Earth Metals

Many raw materials used in microchip production are mined in developing countries with weak labor protections. Workers are often subjected to low wages, poor working conditions, lack of safety gear, and abuse. In some cases, children are forced to work in hazardous environments.

Conflict minerals such as cobalt, tantalum, and tin are often mined in war-torn regions where armed groups control the mines and use the profits to fund violence. These conflict minerals can fuel armed conflict and contribute to the displacement and abuse of local populations.

Microchips

Microchips, also known as integrated circuits (ICs), are small electronic components that serve as the brain of most modern electronic devices. They are made up of millions or even billions of microscopic electrical components—such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors—embedded on a tiny silicon chip. These chips are essential for processing information, storing data, and controlling various functions within electronic systems.

Ethics

Microchips (or semiconductors) are produced in high-tech factories called "fabs," which are often located in countries with lower labor costs, such as Taiwan, South Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia. While these factories are typically technologically advanced, labor conditions can still be exploitative. Workers may face long hours, hazardous chemicals, and insufficient health protections in the cleanroom environments where chips are made.

Semiconductor production is resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. For example, a single semiconductor wafer can require hundreds of liters of water to manufacture. The production of microchips can also generate hazardous waste, including toxic chemicals and greenhouse gasses, contributing to environmental degradation. In some regions, semiconductor factories have been accused of contaminating local water supplies and contributing to air pollution due to inadequate environmental regulations.