usally 3rd world countries that have little to no environmental controls.
You're right. Full stop. From what I understand mining practices are an issue in (for example) the Democratic Republic of Congo. To my knowledge Tesla (aka Twitter CEO Elon) claimed to have joined some initiative to make supplier work places safer last year. That's bullshit. I find it hard to believe any corporation when they claim to be doing their best to prevent suppliers from exploiting people. It's not like they have eyes everywhere on there suppliers and the Congo Government who themselves don't even have eyes everywhere if they are even looking. The workers are just looking to survive. Working in hopes to GTFO of that situation. Some children are put to work by adults. In many cases those adults are trafficker's. Political conflicts erupt thanks to the lure of riches that only a few will actually get from western elements for their assistance. Exploitation is an issue in every industry and no one can claim they aren't benefiting from exploitation no matter what your lifestyle is and where you reside.