Electric vehicles promise a cleaner, greener future. They offer freedom from fossil fuels and hope for a sustainable planet.
But behind the sleek designs and advanced batteries lies a story few want to talk about.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where more than 70% of the world’s cobalt is mined, the dream of a better tomorrow comes at a steep cost, according to Boosted.
Cobalt is a vital component in the batteries that power electric cars, smartphones, and other technologies. In Congo, the race to mine this precious mineral often leaves devastation in its wake.
Children as young as six work in dangerous mines. Adults toil in life-threatening conditions, many without basic safety gear. Toxic exposure from mining leads to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and poisoned water supplies.
6,200 Children Indentified as Laborers
Organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) are trying to change this grim reality. Their GALAB project aims to rescue children from the mines and give them a chance at education.
So far, over 6,200 children have been identified as laborers in the mining regions of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba. It’s a step forward, but the problem runs deep.
Illegal mining operations thrive in areas where government oversight is weak or nonexistent. Armed groups extort money from local communities, smuggling cobalt across borders into Zambia and Tanzania.
Congo loses nearly $1 billion every year to these activities—money that could have built schools, hospitals, or better infrastructure.
Even when the mining is legal, corruption is everywhere. Soldiers and police officers tasked with maintaining order often join in the exploitation. Some sell minerals for personal profit.
Others protect smugglers for bribes. The chaotic system makes it almost impossible to trace cobalt’s origins.
Global corporations like China’s CATL, a leading supplier for electric vehicle batteries, rely on Congolese cobalt. They fuel the green energy revolution but risk contributing to the human and environmental toll.
Congo’s future depends on real accountability. Stricter laws, corporate responsibility, and investment in local communities are essential. Without them, the world’s push for sustainability will remain built on exploitation. The question is, at what cost are we building a greener future?
