
Cobalt – The kryptonite of environmental protection

If the human eras were named after metals, we would now be in the cobalt era.
The metal cobalt is part of almost all modern technologies and is primarily used as a raw material for lithium-ion batteries, which are needed to power electric cars, smartphones and computers.
It represents the raw material without which the revolution of the car market, i.e. the switch from fossil fuels to renewable fuels, is not possible. However, the mining and handling of cobalt also reveals a dark side of e-mobility: While the demand for “clean” alternatives to fossil fuels is increasing in the Western world, the countries of origin of the metal, such as the Congo, are paying the price.
[mk_ad]
In addition to the frightening reports that child labor is common in the cobalt mines, the increasing environmental impact of cobalt mining is particularly problematic.
Cobalt and mining
In the Congo, cobalt is mined using blasting. In addition to the immediate danger posed to residents who live near the mine and who were fatally hit by falling rocks, the substance of the houses and towns, which are slowly eroding due to the recurring explosions, is also threatened.
In contrast to modern American or European mines, the protection of the surrounding population is secondary. Accidents or injuries are kept under wraps. Another problem is the washing and disposal of cobalt mine debris.
Nearby springs or rivers are often used to dispose of wastewater quickly and cheaply. This has catastrophic consequences for the fauna and flora in the area around the mines. Fish are poisoned and die and the local population can no longer farm because the soil is too polluted by the metal waste.
The Democratic Republic of Congo in particular has been struggling with the increasing problems of cobalt mines for years.
The need for cobalt for e-mobility was 20,000 tons in 2016 and is expected to increase twenty-fold by 2030. Congo currently supplies approximately 60% of the world's cobalt needs.
This massive demand leads to increasingly dangerous mining practices. An estimated 10-20% of all mining is carried out by so-called small-scale mining, i.e. by individuals and small companies. They work under sometimes life-threatening conditions in order to be able to participate in the lucrative cobalt business and are in fierce competition with industrial giants who have secured the best places for mining.
Although control and reporting on mining has been strengthened, particularly in Congo, a simple solution cannot be identified as a substitute for cobalt is not currently available on the market.
Although there are already batteries without cobalt, these are still in the development stage. Even if the e-industry were to manage without cobalt in the future, this cannot distract from the underlying issue.
How can Europe accept supposedly green alternatives without poorer countries taking on the burden?
Similar to the problem of waste and the disposal of machines, cars, clothing and tires, the fundamental question for Europe and the Western world is how ethically acceptable it remains to maintain the supposedly green world view in Europe and to send our waste and climate pollution to poorer regions of the world to deport the world.
The example of cobalt in particular should give Europeans food for thought to change the way they act with and towards Africa. Green thinking also means that environmental protection is carried beyond our borders to these countries without the quality of life of the local population suffering. Experts have rightly pointed out that even if Europe becomes independent of cobalt, the local market and the local population would suffer economically.
The goal should be to extend the high standards that apply in Europe for work in mines and other danger zones to mines there. No African child should work for a European smartphone and no Congolese employee should die because of poor protection regulations just so that Europe can calm its environmental conscience.
The means and technology would be available for this, there just needs to be political will and an incentive from consumers to ensure that products actually come from fair origins.
Author: Alexander Herberstein, article image from Sunart Media / Shutterstock.com
More Greenkama content here !
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication
.
The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual articles (not fact checks) were created using machine help and
were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )
With your help, you support one of the most important independent sources of information on the subject of fake news and consumer protection in German-speaking countries
Are you concerned about misinformation online? Mimikama is committed to a fact-based and safe internet. Your support allows us to continue to ensure quality and authenticity online. Please support and help us create a trustworthy digital environment. Your support counts! You too can become an ambassador for Mimikama











