Final answer:
Manufacturers can reduce the human costs of mining for smartphone minerals by choosing production technology 3, which lowers total costs by utilizing cheaper machine hours and minimizing labor intensity, and simultaneously reduces pollution as a byproduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
To effectively reduce the human costs of extracting minerals used in smartphones, a manufacturer can adopt production technology 3 which offers the lowest total cost through a combination of machines and reduced labor intensity. This approach aligns with the economic principle that firms will gravitate towards cheaper machine hours where feasible. It suggests an optimization of resources, wherein more advanced machinery replaces manual labor, resulting in a more efficient and potentially more humane mineral extraction process. Furthermore, adopting production technologies that minimize environmental impact may also result in reductions of pollution, which is a desirable outcome from a sustainability perspective.
By doing so, the firm can not only reduce costs but also address ethical concerns related to mining practices, thereby contributing to the overall goal of corporate social responsibility. Adopting such technologies is in line with the idea that environmental improvements will be pursued where they incur the lowest costs to the firm, often through the implementation of less expensive methods.