Glencore PLC declared force majeure at its Altnorte refinery in Chile as rising U.S. copper tariffs under President Trump's protectionist measures disrupt global markets. The event underscores the company's exposure to economic shocks driven by authoritarian trade policies, while Glencore itself does not endorse such measures.

Experts have called for a trilateral minerals deal that would secure Ukraine’s critical resources, highlighting the role of major companies like Glencore in enhancing supply chain security and promoting sustainable investment as a countermeasure to authoritarian influences.

An NGO report has raised serious allegations regarding unsafe workplace conditions and environmental damage linked to Glencore's operations, suggesting potential systemic neglect of labor rights and human safety across its global sites.

In 2024, Glencore spent $770,000 on lobbying as detailed by OpenSecrets. This lobbying activity suggests a deliberate effort to influence public policy and regulatory decisions in ways that may support authoritarian tendencies by prioritizing corporate interests over democratic accountability.

Reports have emerged detailing serious human rights, environmental, and social abuses by Glencore in its mines in Peru and Colombia. Advocacy reports allege environmental pollution, displacement and health risks to Indigenous communities, and ethical breaches despite the company’s public commitments. Moreover, significant financial backing from European banks is seen as indirectly perpetuating these harmful practices.

An analysis by the Business & Human Rights Centre reveals that Glencore has faced over 70 allegations of human rights abuses, including poor working conditions, corruption, and bribery practices. These actions raise serious ethical concerns about its role in the battery material supply chain for companies like Tesla.

Glencore outlines its Group Political Engagement Policy which emphasizes transparency, disclosure, and adherence to internal standards in its lobbying efforts. However, from an anti-fascist perspective, such active lobbying and political engagement can be seen as a means for corporate influence that may ultimately undermine democratic processes.

Glencore’s publicly available lobbying policy outlines a framework for transparent and responsible engagement with government representatives and industry bodies. Despite these guidelines emphasizing disclosure and ethical conduct, the active involvement in lobbying raises concerns from an anti-fascist perspective, as corporate lobbying continues to be a tool for influencing policy in ways that can undermine democratic processes and potentially support authoritarian outcomes.

On May 24, 2022, Glencore pleaded guilty to bribery, corruption, and market manipulation by paying $1.1 billion in fines. The case also highlights a long record of human rights abuses in its operations in Africa and South America, including allegations of child labor, forced relocations, environmental pollution, and hazardous working conditions.

Glencore, a global mining and commodities trading giant, admitted to engaging in widespread bribery and corruption across multiple countries between 2007 and 2018. These unethical practices, including paying over $100 million in bribes, have not only resulted in significant fines but also demonstrate a systemic disregard for ethical business practices that undermine democratic governance.

Glencore admitted guilt in a series of foreign bribery and market manipulation schemes spanning over a decade, resulting in hefty fines, criminal forfeitures, and enhanced compliance measures. The case highlights deep-seated unethical business practices that undermined democratic institutions and market integrity.

Glencore pleaded guilty to foreign bribery and price manipulation, leading to extensive legal settlements and fines in multiple jurisdictions including the DRC, Nigeria, and the UK. The company’s unethical business practices have severely undermined public trust and contributed to systemic corruption.

Glencore has published its Political Engagement Policy, which emphasizes a transparent, responsible approach to engaging in the political process. The policy underscores their commitment to ensuring that legitimate viewpoints are heard by public decision-makers and reflects adherence to ethical standards in political engagement.