The cobalt challenge - The dark side of the energy transition | DW Documentary

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a major supplier of cobalt, a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Industrial nations require cobalt to manufacture batteries that are essential for combating climate change. The race to transition from fossil fuels has made cobalt highly sought after. Major car manufacturers like VW, Renault, BMW, and Volvo are transitioning to electric fleets, driven by environmental concerns and the European Union's goal to achieve climate neutrality within 30 years. The EU's ambitious plan to prohibit the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines by 2035 has led to significant investment in the battery sector, particularly in Europe, which has become a hotspot for battery industry growth.

Congo's vast mineral wealth, particularly cobalt, has shaped its economy and landscape. The country's cobalt reserves are primarily located in the provinces of lualaba and upper katanga. Foreign corporations, many of which are Chinese, exploit these resources, often with negative environmental and social impacts. Despite the high demand and lucrative prices for cobalt, local communities near mining areas face challenges such as lack of access to clean water, healthcare, and education. The mining activities have led to environmental degradation, with waterways poisoned and farmlands rendered infertile. The disparity between the profits made by mining corporations and the living conditions of local residents is stark, with many living on less than two dollars a day.

Artisanal mining, where individuals extract minerals by hand, contributes a significant portion of the cobalt supply. Prospectors, including those who have migrated due to poverty, work in dangerous conditions, often deep below the surface. The work is labor-intensive and risky, with many facing the threat of landslides or flooding. Despite the perils, artisanal mining offers a livelihood for thousands of families. However, the sector is fraught with issues, including exploitation, lack of regulation, and inadequate safety measures. The government's attempts to regulate artisanal mining have been largely unsuccessful, and the miners often have no say in the cooperatives they are supposed to join.

The cobalt supply chain is complex and often opaque, with Chinese entrepreneurs being the primary buyers of cobalt from artisanal miners. After initial processing, the cobalt is exported to foreign foundries and eventually incorporated into batteries for EVs and other electronics. The push for transparency in the supply chain has been growing, with reports highlighting the use of child labor and the exploitation of miners. Companies are now under increased scrutiny to ensure ethical sourcing and to mitigate the risks associated with human rights abuses. The European Union's efforts to develop its battery industry, including the establishment of the European Battery Alliance, aim to create a sustainable and traceable supply chain.

The global demand for cobalt is driving the expansion of mining operations in the DRC. The country's cobalt is integral to the battery industry, which is why major tech and automotive companies are under scrutiny for their supply chain practices. Reports have linked child labor and poor working conditions to the production of batteries in devices and EVs used worldwide. As a result, there is a growing demand for companies to conduct thorough due diligence and ensure that their supply chains are free from human rights abuses, including child labor and exploitation.

The European Union has embarked on a major battery development project to reduce its dependence on imported batteries and to promote sustainability. The goal is to build around 30 gigafactories by 2035 to meet the demand for electric vehicles within the EU. This initiative is seen as a way to create jobs, invest in new industries, and ensure a low carbon footprint. Companies like Northvolt in Sweden are leading the way in establishing large-scale battery production facilities in Europe, aiming to compete with Asian manufacturers.

With the growing demand for electric vehicles, the need for cobalt is expected to increase exponentially. However, the supply of cobalt is a complex issue. While countries like Finland are exploring their mining potential, the reality is that Europe's reserves and mining capabilities cannot meet the projected demand. This has led to a focus on recycling as a key sector for the future. Companies like Umicore are pioneering battery recycling, aiming to recover and reuse cobalt from spent batteries, reducing dependence on mining and promoting a circular economy.

Despite efforts to ensure responsible sourcing, the cobalt supply chain remains fraught with issues. The opaque nature of the supply chain, particularly in China, where many raw materials are processed, makes it difficult to guarantee ethical sourcing. The use of child labor, forced resettlement, environmental pollution, and corruption continue to plague the industry. Organizations like Amnesty International and initiatives like colwayze are working to bring transparency and accountability to the supply chain, but challenges remain.

The environmental impact of mining, especially in the DRC, has been devastating. The pollution of waterways, loss of ecosystems, and contamination of the environment have severe consequences for local communities and wildlife. In Finland, the legacy of a mining disaster in 2012 continues to affect the region's waterways and ecology. Despite efforts to address these issues, the mining industry's impact on the environment and the need for a long-term strategy to mitigate these effects is a pressing concern.

As the demand for electric vehicles and batteries grows, so does the awareness of the environmental and human rights issues surrounding mining. Activists and policymakers are increasingly calling for responsible mining practices and the development of sustainable alternatives. The push for transparency, regulation, and the reduction of harmful impacts is gaining momentum, highlighting the need for a collective effort to address the challenges posed by the mining industry.