The nexus between resources and criminal activities: ‘Recycling crimes’ (Metals)

Abstract

Mankind has always turned to the earth to exist; and, mining has been key to this survival - it has provided a whole array of resources - including ‘metals.’ The evolutionary process has meant that each generation has advanced their use of metals due to the symbiotic relationship to (industrial/technological) revolution(s). However, this has come at a price – in terms of the environment and also those employed as part of the mining process. This research paper considers the latter, it explores the correlation between obtaining resources and criminal activities. A primary part of this research considers the recycling of metals and the growing criminal trends and criminality linked to this pursuit. This includes a case-study from the UK. The research also factors in Covid-19 and the impact to society including in respect to resources, commodities (mined and recycled).The findings are that recycling replicates much of the organized criminal activities to be found in mining; and, that, like mining, there is not sufficient legislation and other controls in place to prevent these crimes and abuses. Organized crime is invariably a global epidemic in the same way the virus is.