Inside the murky business of cobalt mining in DR Congo
FRANCE 24 English・2 minutes read
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a major source of cobalt, but ethical concerns arise due to hazardous mining conditions and child labor, with Chinese companies playing a significant role in the market. Despite generating immense wealth, over 70% of the Congolese population lives below the poverty line, with reports indicating government involvement in the illicit cobalt trade.
Insights
- The Democratic Republic of Congo is a major source of cobalt, but ethical concerns such as hazardous mining conditions and child labor are prevalent due to the surge in global demand for the mineral, leading to exploitation and poverty in the region.
- Chinese companies dominate the cobalt market, often obtaining the mineral through opaque and black-market channels in Congo, highlighting the complex web of economic interests and exploitation that contribute to the ongoing issues surrounding cobalt sourcing and production.
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Recent questions
Where is cobalt primarily sourced from?
Congo
What is the global demand for cobalt?
Surged
Who plays a significant role in the cobalt market?
Chinese companies
What percentage of the Congolese population lives below the poverty line?
Over 70%
What are the ethical concerns surrounding cobalt mining in Congo?
Hazardous conditions, child labor
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