The Geopolitics & Power Podcast Nicholas Niarchos | Cobalt Mining In Congo... The Heart Of Darkness
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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. It’s a gripping look at journalism's power in exposing harsh realities.
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Early Exploitation of Congo
- King Leopold II ruthlessly exploited Congo for resources like rubber and ivory, treating it as his personal property.
- This exploitation was exposed, leading to the Belgian state taking control in the early 1900s.
Friedland's Legitimate Mining
- Robert Friedland's mining operations in Congo are considered more legitimate compared to Dan Gertler's exploitative approach.
- Friedland developed a valuable asset, but questions still remain about local displacement.
Congo's Current State
- Congo suffers from deep-seated corruption, violence, and a breakdown of trust, impacting the population's worldview.
- A young population offers hope, but insistence on rule of law and tackling corruption are crucial.