Cobalt is an essential element within supply chains driving the technological transition to electric vehicles. A majority of the world’s estimated cobalt reserves are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 10-30% of Congo’s annual production mined artisanally.
Much maligned environmental, social and human rights abuses within the artisanal sector are driving corporate efforts to “clean up” and “de-risk” supply chains.
It is imperative that these efforts align with the sustainable development priorities and needs of artisanal mining communities themselves.
This issue paper gathers local perspectives on the priority changes needed to improve governance and investment in the sector.
