Cobalt demand booms – Big Tech & Child Exploitation in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the highest exporter of Cobalt in the world. The artisanal (independent) mining sector surrounding this is open to exploitation. Children as young as seven are working in conditions that threaten life. A lawsuit has been launched against Big Tech: Apple, Google, Microsoft, Tesla and Dell for child exploitation violations. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly hit the market value of Cobalt. It is likely to hinder government efforts to combat child labor and provide alternative employment. Cobalt, the DRC and the Global Market Cobalt is one of the key minerals found in everyday…