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Cobalt creates conflict in Congo - 2nd December 2022

Used in batteries, electric cars and mobile phones, cobalt is an essential metal for today's world. Over 70 percent is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the relationship between large firms, DRC laws and independent miners is broken.

For now, the country's cobalt industry is at risk. Use of child workers, bad working conditions and improper business deals damages trade. To solve this, the government set up the Enterprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) in 2019. It aimed to move the independent miners to specific areas and also to raise workers' conditions.

Cobalt sold through the EGC will mean the government receives financial benefits.

For people like Jean-Réne Mbaza, who's in charge of one group of independent miners, working conditions are actually safe.

Jean-Réne Mbaza: "We try to conform. There are no pregnant women at work, there is no child labour, there is no human exploitation. There are no men in arms who make the diggers - artisanal miners - work to steal their produce."

Mining provides employment for 60 percent of people in the region. With family incomes for independent miners higher than the average, miners are protective of their independence.

Antoine Dela wa Monga: "Here we are independent. Everyone comes, works independently, goes to sell the ore at the trading centre, and makes money. Compared to other mining squares where I've worked, here I work in order."

High demand worldwide makes cobalt a billion dollar industry. But without strict systems in place, the DRC may lose important contracts with major companies. These include giants like Tesla, Samsung and Apple.

The Fair Cobalt Alliances organisation is attempting to bring all parties together to move forward. It's possible they could all benefit in the end.

David Sturmes: "And so there is a interest from miners to have a more professional setup. And a interest from governments to formalise and start generating regular tax revenue and be able to supply to the international market."