Faced with the recent announcement concerning the addition of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the list of countries where child labor is potentially used in artisanal cobalt mining, the reaction of the Congolese Ministry of Mines was not long in coming. In an official press release published on October 14, 2024, the ministry said it was surprised by this decision by the United States Department of Labor, highlighting the significant progress made by the Congolese government in the fight against child labor in this sector.
Indeed, despite the persistent challenges in some regions regarding artisanal cobalt mining, which represents only a small part of national production, the Ministry of Mines states that this decision does not fully reflect the efforts made to eliminate child labor. Cobalt, an essential mineral used in modern technologies, is at the heart of the global energy transition, and the DRC is aware of its crucial role in this context.
Thus, the Congolese government reaffirms its commitment to eradicating child labor, particularly in the artisanal mining of cobalt and copper. These resources are vital to the national and global economy, and their responsible exploitation is essential to improve the living conditions of the Congolese population.
The Ministry of Mines emphasizes that the vast majority of cobalt production in the DRC is carried out in compliance with ethical and social standards established by the government and international companies. However, it admits that the remaining 5%, from artisanal mining, still poses challenges in terms of respect for children’s rights.
In order to strengthen control of artisanal mining, the DRC is implementing several initiatives, including the formalization of this sector, the creation of an Interministerial Commission on Child Labor, and the strengthening of controls and monitoring in mining areas.
In conclusion, despite the persistent challenges, the Democratic Republic of Congo shows its determination to fight against child labor in the mining sector. Compliance with international standards and protection of children’s rights are key priorities to ensure responsible mining and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.