DR Congo cobalt conflict

An essential component in rechargeable batteries, electric vehicles and mobiles, cobalt is a much sought-after metal. Over 70 percent originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but disputes are ongoing between huge corporations, government and independent 'artisanal' diggers working countrywide.

In the independent sector, accusations of corruption, child labour and hazardous on-site conditions are causing reputational damage to the DRC's cobalt trade. With so much at stake, the government founded the Enterprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) in 2019, which endeavoured to relocate the artisanal workforce to designated areas and to enhance employment conditions.

The artisanal miners have denied the existence of such problems. They're confronting pressure to modify operational procedures, whereby the ore would be sold through EGC channels, with a share of profits allocated to the government.

Jean-Réne Mbaza is a site manager for COMAKAT, one of the artisanal mining cooperatives.

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."

Bringing in up to $50 per month, artisanal families find themselves relative winners in a region where 60 percent depend on mining. Antoine Dela wa Monga defends the miners' working practices.

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."

While global need for alternative energy sources intensifies in this billion dollar business, regulation is also vital to maintain big players like Tesla, Samsung and Apple. These corporations disassociate themselves from bad practices.

Bringing the major stakeholders together, Fair Cobalt Alliances is endeavouring to break the impasse. Director David Sturmes is optimistic that a positive outcome is feasible, one which could ultimately benefit all parties.

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."

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