Electric-car demand fuels child labour in DRC, say experts
Children as young as six dig for cobalt in artisanal mines with some saying all products using cobalt are likely tainted by child labour
Dakar — Demand for electric vehicles is fueling a rise in child labour in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), experts said this week, urging companies to take action as the industry expands. Cobalt is a key component in batteries for electric cars, phones and laptops, and the DRC provides more than half of global supply. Tens of thousands of children as young as six dig for the toxic substance in artisanal mines in the country’s south-east, without protective clothing, rights groups say. As companies move to secure their supply of cobalt, they should also make a push to improve transparency and labour rights, said US-based advocacy group the Enough Project. “I think it’s a really interesting moment for companies because there is such a spotlight on cobalt right now,” said Annie Callaway, the author of the report. “We’re not right at the beginning of the rise in demand but we’re still pretty early on, where we can make sure that there are systems in place to addre...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.