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The DRC is a dominant source of this mineral, holding roughly 72% of global cobalt reserves and accounting for over 74% of supply.
The state cobalt agency of the Democratic Republic of Congo has produced its first 1,000 metric tons of traceable artisanal cobalt.
It is an essential component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops, placing it at the heart of the green energy transition. The DRC is a dominant source of this mineral, holding roughly 72% of global cobalt reserves and accounting for over 74% of supply.
However, the sector is dominated by informal artisanal mines employing about 1.5 million people and is largely unregulated. This has led to widespread unethical practices, including human rights violations and environmental degradation.
The International Energy Agency projects that global cobalt demand will increase by 40% by 2030. However, automakers and electronics companies are increasingly demanding proof of ethical sourcing, putting pressure on producers to eliminate child labor and dangerous practices.
The DRC’s announcement regarding the production of traceable artisanal cobalt is therefore a key step toward addressing these concerns by moving to formalize the sector.