By The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has been hailed as a necessary step to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. However, behind the green revolution lies a dark reality: the exploitation of child labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Approximately 40,000 children, some as young as six, are forced to work in hazardous conditions in cobalt mines, a key component in EV batteries. This report sheds light on the humanitarian crisis fueling the world’s push for sustainable energy.
Cobalt is a crucial mineral used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, smartphones, and other electronic devices. The DRC produces nearly 70% of the world’s cobalt, making it a critical player in the EV industry. Major car manufacturers and tech companies rely heavily on cobalt from Congolese mines, but much of this supply chain is tainted by severe human rights abuses, including child labor, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation. In the cobalt-rich regions of the DRC, thousands of children are forced to work in artisanal mines, where they dig through the earth using primitive tools and bare hands. These children face extreme dangers, including:
● Toxic Exposure: Constant exposure to cobalt dust causes serious respiratory diseases and skin conditions.
● Physical Hazards: Many children work without protective gear, handling heavy loads and working in deep, unstable tunnels that frequently collapse.
● Exploitation: Most child miners earn less than $2 a day, barely enough for survival. Some are victims of forced labor and trafficking.
● Lack of Education: The cycle of poverty and exploitation keeps children out of school, depriving them of opportunities for a better future. Despite promises of ethical sourcing, many multinational companies continue to source cobalt from mines linked to child labor. Investigations have revealed that even well-known brands in the EV and tech industries indirectly benefit from child exploitation. While some companies claim to implement “responsible mining” practices, the lack of transparency in supply chains allows the abuse to persist. The Congolese government has been widely criticized for failing to protect children and workers in the mining industry. Corruption, weak regulations, and a lack of enforcement have allowed child labor to flourish.
Although there have been efforts to introduce reforms, enforcement remains ineffective due to powerful interests profiting from the trade. Several human rights organizations have condemned child labor in Congolese cobalt mines and urged companies to source materials responsibly. Some initiatives aim to develop cobalt-free battery technology or promote ethical mining practices, but the demand for cobalt continues to rise. The lack of international oversight and the complexity of global supply chains make it difficult to ensure that cobalt is sourced ethically. To address this humanitarian crisis, a multi-pronged approach is needed:
1. Corporate Responsibility: Tech and EV companies must ensure complete transparency in their supply chains and invest in ethically sourced materials.
2. Government Action: The DRC government must implement strict laws to eliminate child labor and improve mining conditions.
3. Global Regulations: International bodies should impose sanctions on companies benefiting from child labor and enforce stricter trade policies.
4. Alternative Technologies: Investment in cobalt-free batteries can reduce dependence on Congolese cobalt and eliminate the demand for child labor.
5. Education and Welfare Programs: NGOs and governments should work together to provide education and rehabilitation programs for affected children. While the push for electric vehicles is essential for a sustainable future, it must not come at the cost of human rights violations. The exploitation of 40,000 children in the DRC’s cobalt mines is a stark reminder that technological progress should not be built on the suffering of the vulnerable. It is the responsibility of governments, corporations, and consumers to demand ethical sourcing and end this inhumane practice. Until meaningful actions are taken, the true cost of electric vehicles will remain far higher than we realize.
