The Geopolitics & Power Podcast
Nicholas Niarchos | Cobalt Mining In Congo... The Heart Of Darkness
Feb 7, 2023
Nicholas Niarchos, a journalist with notable work in The New Yorker and The Guardian, delves into the dark world of cobalt mining in the Congo. He shares his eye-opening experiences, including his arrest during investigations. The conversation reveals the country's tumultuous history marked by corruption and kleptocracy, highlighting the exploitation of local resources. They discuss the dilemma of child labor and hazardous conditions in artisanal mining while exploring the ethical challenges of cobalt's role in the green economy. Itās a gripping look at journalism's power in exposing harsh realities.
01:39:46
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Quick takeaways
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo's history of corruption and kleptocracy significantly hampers its infrastructural development and the well-being of its citizens.
- Cobalt mining in the DRC is crucial for the global green energy transition, but raises ethical concerns about sustainability and labor practices.
Deep dives
The Historical Context of the Congo's Kleptocracy
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a tumultuous history marked by colonization and corruption, beginning with Belgian oversight and continuing under the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko. This tumultuous past has led to significant infrastructural deterioration and kleptocracy, where elite individuals systematically siphon off national resources. The nation's abundant natural resources, including cobalt and diamonds, remain exploited, often by external actors benefiting from shoddy contracts and corrupt practices. Consequently, the DRC is marked by dire humanitarian crises, including widespread poverty and violence leading to a massive loss of life and dislocation of populations.
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