In the Democratic Republic of Congo, large numbers of people mine cobalt – a mineral used in batteries for mobile phones, laptops and electric cars – in dangerous and unregulated mines.
Akua Debrah of the University of Houston studies the mining industry in the region. She said men, and sometimes children, extracted cobalt ore from unsupported pits and tunnels that could collapse, causing injuries and deaths.
Above ground, women inhale toxic dust as they clean and sort the ore.
Debra: “You'll notice that the kids on these women's backs are breathing in some of the dust as well. It has long-term effects on the community. …
Children are born with birth defects as a result of parents mining in these environments.
As the electric vehicle industry develops, demand for cobalt continues to increase.
Debra: “This is important We need to move away from fossil fuels. However… in the later stages of the transition, communities are being severely affected by this type of mining.
That's why she said it's important for businesses, governments and advocates to demand transparency about mining conditions and worker protections.
Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media
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