The Conflict Mineral That Powers Our Lives

The Dark Reality of Cobalt Mining

We have many daily tech items we use but we have not taken into account how they are made. The dark reality that follows our technology today is true conflict hidden behind closed doors, or at the bottom of a crater. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country rich in mineral resources, including cobalt. This valuable metal is essential for the production of batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Unfortunately, the reality of cobalt mining in the DRC is dark and harsh, characterized by human rights violations, exploitation, and environmental degradation. Upwards of 5,000 People at a time work inside deep craters.

Child labor is a widespread problem in cobalt mines in the DRC. Children as young as six years old are forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions, with little to no pay. They are exposed to toxic chemicals, suffer from respiratory problems, and are at risk of physical harm. The international community has expressed concerns about this issue, but it still persists.

The working conditions for adult miners are also unacceptable, with many facing long hours, low wages, and dangerous working environments. The miners are often not provided with protective gear and are forced to work in cramped, poorly ventilated mines. The harsh working conditions have led to high rates of injury and death among miners, who often have no means of seeking compensation for their losses.

In addition to the exploitation of workers, cobalt mining also has devastating environmental impacts. Mines are often located in areas of high biodiversity, and the extraction process involves the use of toxic chemicals that pollute the air, water, and soil. The destruction of the natural environment has had devastating impacts on local communities, who depend on the environment for their livelihoods.

To make matters worse, the cobalt mining industry is also associated with corruption and illegal activities. The DRC has a long history of conflict, and the mining industry is no exception. Armed groups control many of the mines and use the profits from cobalt mining to finance their operations. This has led to further exploitation of workers and environmental degradation, as well as fueling the ongoing conflict in the region.

Many companies that we all use today for our everyday needs and wants, are the very sole companies that fuel this environment and conditions for their capital gain. Automotive Manufacturers, Mining Companies, Battery Manufacturers, Technology Companies, and Financial Institutions all have their hands in the pot of Cobalt Mining. 

The dark reality of cobalt mining in the DRC is a result of a combination of exploitation, environmental degradation, money, and conflict. The international community must take action to address this issue and ensure that the rights of workers and the environment are protected. This can be achieved through increased transparency and accountability in the cobalt supply chain, as well as stronger regulations and better enforcement of existing laws. Only by taking these steps can we hope to bring an end to the dark reality of cobalt mining in the DRC.