Today, Explained The blood diamond of batteries
Dec 16, 2021
Nicolas Niarchos, a freelance journalist based in New York, dives into the dark world of cobalt mining in Congo, exploring how this crucial mineral fuels the electric vehicle boom. He discusses the deadly conditions artisanal miners face, including child labor, while also highlighting the stark contrast between the wealth promised to locals and the ongoing exploitation they endure. Niarchos calls for ethical reforms and sustainable practices in the cobalt supply chain, urging consumers to rethink their connection to the technology they use.
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The Cobalt Rush in Kasulo
- In 2014, a Congolese man discovered cobalt while digging a toilet pit.
- This sparked a local "cobalt rush," destabilizing the town and leading to its takeover by a Chinese firm.
Congo's Cobalt Significance
- Congo possesses the world's largest cobalt reserves, a key material in batteries.
- Its accessibility near the surface makes mining easier but raises complex political and economic issues.
Congo's Troubled History
- Congo's cobalt boom is complicated by its history of exploitation and conflict.
- From Belgian colonialism to recent civil wars, foreign powers have sought to control its valuable resources.
