Reviewed Date: June 29th, 2023
Cobalt is used in almost all batteries that power up our smartphones, pads, and other electronic devices. As our world has decided to reduce carbon emissions and move towards EVs, the demand for cobalt has shot up in recent years. But cobalt is not iron, which is available everywhere. 90% of the world’s cobalt is found in only one country, DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been blessed with deposits of several rare minerals, including cobalt. They are sitting on treasures; the world bends to the rules set by the Congo. You might be thinking the government used money that is obtained through mining to improve the lives of the people, providing health care, education, and opportunities. But that happens in a perfect world.
More than 60% of people live in poverty, most children don’t go to school, hospitals are not equipped to treat the patients, and above all, there is environmental destruction. More than 25% of cobalt is mined by artisanal miners (including children and women) by employing small hammers and shovels. The working conditions are the worst.
There is no safety equipment, no regulations, and no fixed wage. These miners work for 10-12 hours a day, in the hot sun, inhaling toxic gases to earn just 0.80 to 2 dollars a day. Children die when tunnels collapse; they are buried alive. Parents cannot pay school fees; with the entire family, they mine cobalt that is in our phones.
No matter what corporations (Apple, Tesla, etc.) say about their cobalt supply chain being clean, people at the bottom of the chain know the reality. They are being slaves in their own country. They don’t have a future. The Chinese mining companies regularly exploit people, stealing their wealth, paying less, and damaging the environment. That is the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cobalt Red is a hard-hitting and gut-wrenching book. Barring some repetitions, the author has done a brilliant job of showing the reality of Congo. I have felt emotional in many parts, and it has made me feel how privileged I am in life. I highly recommend this book. You have to know the truth.
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