Who provided a cheap labor source for natural resources?

Colonial powers often provided a cheap labor source for Natural Resources through the exploitation of indigenous populations and the use of enslaved people. In many regions, such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas, colonial administrators extracted resources like minerals, rubber, and agricultural products while relying on forced labor or low-wage laborers to maximize profits. This system not only enriched the colonizers but also led to significant social and economic disruptions in the affected regions.