Transitioning into a Green World: The Dark Side of Cobalt Mining

Abstract

In a gradual shift towards achieving cleaner and environmentally friendly energy sources, the electric vehicle industry has recorded tremendous growth over the last decade across Europe and America. Cobalt is a vital element used in the manufacture of certain technologies and it is now in high demand to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones. The democratic republic of Congo has the largest known deposit of lithium copper with an estimated 130.000 metric tons being mined yearly. This study aims to highlight the downsides of the massive environmentally unfriendly processes of cobalt mining to foster the dream of having a non-fossil fuel-dependent world. In as much as the perceived benefits seem to be great, it is vital to consider the environmental damages caused because of the excessive mining of cobalt. Much emphasis is being placed on the democratic republic of Congo in this research as there are unaddressed issues of conflicts, war, and child labour all associated with the extraction of cobalt in the region. This study proposes some policy recommendations for a solution-oriented approach for both the government of the democratic republic of Congo and the international community in managing the associated conflict within the region as well as adhering to the sustainability development goals.