Problems with cobalt in Congo - 2nd December 2022

Cobalt is used in batteries, electric cars and mobile phones. Over two thirds comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But there are huge problems between large companies, the government, and 'small', independent miners.

The independent miners are said to use child workers and have dangerous conditions. This makes the cobalt business look bad. To help, the government began the Enterprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) in 2019. It wants to improve conditions and move small miners to certain areas.

The independent workers aren't happy. With the changes, cobalt would be sold through the EGC. The government would also receive some of the money.

Jean-Réne Mbaza manages a group of miners.

Jean-Réne Mbaza: "We try to conform, there are no pregnant women at work, there is no child labour, there is no human exploitation, there are no men in arms who make the diggers artisanal miners work to steal their produce."

Independent miners sell directly to cobalt trading centres. Mining families can earn up to $50 per month. This is higher than the local average.

Antoine Dela wa Monga: "Here we are independent, everyone comes, works independently, goes to sell the ore at the trading centre, and makes money. Compared to other mining squares where I've worked, here I work in order."

Cobalt is big business, worth billions of dollars. But without new rules, the DRC could lose money. Companies like Tesla, Samsung and Apple might get their cobalt elsewhere.

Fair Cobalt Alliances is an organisation which is trying to help. It hopes to bring the sides together to discuss the issues.

David Sturmes: "And so there is an interest from miners to have a more professional setup and interest from governments to formalise and start generating regular tax revenue and be able to supply to the international market."