Lithium-Ion Batteries and Cobalt Dependence
A recent report has shed light on the dark side of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, stating that these batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs), heavily rely on cobalt. The problem lies in the fact that the largest reserves of cobalt are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country with a troubling human rights record. The report highlights various forms of abuse, including slavery, child labor, forced labor, and hazardous working conditions, associated with the cobalt supply chain from the DRC.
DRC: The Dominant Cobalt Producer
The DRC currently produces nearly 70% of the world’s cobalt and holds almost half of the global reserves of this mineral. While the exact extent of artisanal mines and child labor in these mines is uncertain, data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development indicates that a significant portion of cobalt production in the DRC involves child labor. Studies suggest that up to 11% of cobalt produced in the nation is tied to child labor, with more than 40,000 children working in cobalt mines, some as young as six years old.
The Humanitarian Crisis and Environmental Impact
Experts argue that the push for electric vehicles as part of the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change ignores the humanitarian crisis created by the EV industry. The report’s co-author emphasizes that the climate agenda overlooks the exploitation of child labor and the associated humanitarian and environmental harms. The cobalt mines in the DRC are characterized by adverse conditions, aggressive security forces, intense surveillance, and distrust of outsiders. The scale of cobalt excavation and the medieval working conditions make monitoring and improving the situation challenging.
The Biden Administration’s EV Agenda
Despite these concerning revelations, the Biden administration and governments worldwide continue to aggressively promote the transition to electric vehicles. President Biden has set a goal of ensuring that 50% of new car purchases in the United States are electric by 2030. The administration is pursuing federal regulations and incentives to encourage Americans to choose EVs. However, critics argue that these policies turn a blind eye to the human rights abuses associated with cobalt mining and prioritize the climate agenda over addressing the humanitarian crisis.
The Role of China
China plays a significant role in the cobalt supply chain. The majority of cobalt worldwide is processed in Chinese facilities, and China also manages cobalt mines in the DRC. This reliance on China means that even if cobalt is sourced elsewhere, it ultimately goes through China for processing. China is responsible for about 85% of cobalt processing. The report highlights that China does not prioritize the working conditions of child laborers in the cobalt industry.
As the push for electric vehicles continues, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns surrounding the cobalt supply chain and work towards sustainable and responsible solutions.
