Evan Lee
   Cobalt, an essential mineral in producing modern-day electronics and renewable energy technologies, has become a symbol of progress and innovation over the past few years. However, behind its shiny facade lies a dark and troubling reality. Predominantly concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, cobalt mining has raised significant concerns due to its devastating impact on the environment and the alarming human rights violations. From water pollution to infringements on basic human rights, the consequences have far outweighed the benefits of this mineral. While cobalt is necessary for renewable energy sources to progress, the urgent need to responsibly source this metal is imperative to protect the earth and its inhabitants.Â
   The cobalt mining industry is deeply tainted by widespread human rights abuses, particularly inside the DRC, which produces over ⅔ of the world’s supply. Reports have exposed the utilization of child labor in dangerous and exploitative conditions where young children, as young as the age of 7, are forced to work in hazardous underground mines. The aforementioned children are then subjected to physical harm, deprived of their right to primary education, and trapped in a continuous cycle of poverty, with their health and future severely compromised. Furthermore, the DRC’s cobalt mines are directly linked to armed conflict and the funding of firearms. Inside local communities, groups exploit the mineral resources being gathered to finance their activities, perpetuating violence, instability, and human suffering.
   Along with miners being exposed to enormous health risks, nearby communities face the same dangers as their younger counterparts underground. Miners, often lacking proper safety equipment and protective measures, are exposed to hazardous substances such as cobalt dust and extremely harmful airborne chemicals derived from metals. On the other hand, local communities face water and air pollution, depriving them of a pure water source and giving them respiratory diseases, skin infections, and several other illnesses. These risks stack on top of the spreading of Malaria and Zika viruses, which explains the high amount of birth defects and mortality rate for the DRC.  To address all the detrimental impacts of cobalt mining, responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency are imperative. Private sector industries relying on cobalt must take proactive measures to ensure ethical practices throughout the entire supply chain. This includes establishing robust mechanisms to trace the origin of cobalt, ts prioritizing suppliers with honorable mining methods, and supporting initiatives that promote fair labor conditions and environmental stewardship. Companies and governments alike must collaborate to develop and enforce stringent regulations to prevent human rights abuses and environmental degradation. Investing in sustainable alternatives, such as recycling and exploring other minerals to be utilized for renewable energy endeavors, can help reduce the reliance on cobalt and mitigate the negative impact on the DRC. From the civil wars to water pollution to the infringements on basic human rights, cobalt mining stands as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of unchecked industrial practices. The suffering of innocent children toiling in hazardous mines, the exploitation of helpless communities, and the high weaponry distribution are all consequences of the insatiable demands for this essential mineral. However, this dire situation should not leave a hopeless feeling–it is a call to action, urging industries, governments, and consumers alike to be proactive in demanding a more ethical alternative to the regular process of obtaining cobalt. Therefore, only through a united effort towards fostering a global consciousness about this crisis can this world envision a future where progress is not achieved at the expense of our environment and the dignity of fellow human beings.