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East Africa Frontline News

NextFrontier Africa is a media platform spotlighting Africa’s emerging opportunities in technology, tourism, aviation, agriculture, health, logistics, real estate, trade, education, and e-commerce.

June 20.2025

2 Minutes Read

Is Cobalt Mining by Children the Hidden Cost of Technology?

Workers laboring at dusty cobalt mine site, child labor concerns.

Unearthing the Dark Truth Behind Cobalt Mining

The alarming reality of child labor in cobalt mining, particularly in Africa, poses significant ethical questions for global manufacturers. This industry, responsible for powering a vast range of electronics, from mobile phones to electric vehicles, has increasingly come under scrutiny due to reports indicating that children are enduring hazardous working conditions in pursuit of cobalt.

In 'Is cobalt being mined by children?', the documentary addresses the significant ethical implications surrounding child labor in cobalt mining, prompting us to analyze its broader impact.

A Look into the Lives of Child Miners

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where a majority of the world's cobalt is sourced, children as young as six are reportedly engaged in perilous labor. These children often work in mines without basic safety equipment, enduring grueling hours, suffering from health issues related to dust and exposure to harmful substances.

The Global Demand Driving Exploitation

This exploitative labor is fueled by an insatiable global demand for cobalt, primarily driven by the technology sector. As the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, the necessity for cobalt has surged, eliciting a moral obligation for consumers and manufacturers alike to confront the human cost of their energy needs.

Transparency and Accountability in Supply Chains

It is imperative for corporations to ensure transparency in their supply chains. Advocates argue that companies must take proactive steps to verify the sources of their materials and invest in ethical mining practices. As consumers, knowing the origins of products is essential to demanding change.

Call to Action for Informed Consumption

Understanding the implications of cobalt mining allows consumers to make informed decisions. By supporting companies that prioritize ethical sourcing, individuals can help combat child labor and promote social justice in mining communities. The issues highlighted in the video, "Is cobalt being mined by children?" offer a sobering reminder of the complexities involved in the technologies we often take for granted.

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Is Cobalt Mining by Children the Hidden Cost of Technology?

Unearthing the Dark Truth Behind Cobalt Mining

A Look into the Lives of Child Miners

The Global Demand Driving Exploitation

Transparency and Accountability in Supply Chains

Call to Action for Informed Consumption

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