Cobalt produced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at risk of being banned internationally due to growing supply chain concerns for this mineral. This alert was launched by the Minister of Mines, Antoinette Nsamba Kalambayi, in a press release published recently.
According to the Minister, the alleged irregularities in the chain of possession or extraction of cobalt, whether they come from artisanal or industrial production, are at the origin of these threats of banishment.
To remedy these problems, the DRC is actively working to formalize and improve the traceability system for minerals in the artisanal sector. Several projects have already been set up with this in mind.
Among these initiatives is the validation of the normative framework on artisanal and small-scale mining cobalt, in collaboration with the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). This American organization brings together more than 400 member companies and establishes environmental, social and governance requirements for mining sites, in order to ensure optimal traceability of minerals.
Other advances have also been made, such as the operationalization of the General Cobalt Company, which aims to promote cobalt from artisanal production to promote economic development in the DRC. An Interministerial Commission on child labor in the artisanal mining sector has also been set up to combat the exploitation of children in this area.
Despite these efforts, the DRC faces international concerns about the cobalt supply chain. As one of the world’s largest producers of cobalt, the mineral is essential for making batteries used in smartphones, electric cars and wind turbines. A questionable traceability reputation could negatively impact the global cobalt market.
It is critical that the DRC continues to implement measures to ensure responsible traceability and mining of cobalt. This will not only preserve the country’s reputation, but also support the DRC’s sustainable economic development and promote compliance with international environmental and social standards.
In a world increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of mineral production, it is crucial for the DRC to engage in transparent and sustainable mining practices in order to protect its resources and foster a more responsible future