The Link: EVs, the Cobalt Rush, Unrest in DRC & CSDDD
As the global demand for EVs and clean energy surges, the need for cobaltâa critical element in lithium-ion batteriesâhas reached unprecedented levels. Yet behind this technological shift lies a dark reality centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the source of more than 70% of the world's cobalt supply. The scramble for the precious resource has triggered violence, human rights violations and mass displacement, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
The cobalt rush: economic opportunity and conflict
The DRC's cobalt reserves have become both an economic blessing and a humanitarian curse. Multinational corporations have rushed to secure cobalt supplies, leading to widespread forced evictions of communities from their homes and farmland.
Amnesty International has reported grievous human rights abuses accompanying these evictions, including sexual assault, beatings and arson.
Dubbed the "gold rush of the 21st century," the cobalt boom has caused significant suffering for the Congolese population. As of October 2023, 6.9 million people have been displaced in the DRC due to violence and rebel activity, some of which directly stem from the cobalt industry.
Violence and insecurity in mining areas
The link between cobalt mining and regional violence is undeniable. Researchers have found that profits from cobalt extraction finance ongoing armed conflicts in the DRC. Neighbouring countries, such as Rwanda, have been accused of supporting rebel groups like M23 to gain control over cobalt mining areas.
The situation escalated in early 2025, culminating in the capture of Goma—a key regional hub in eastern DRC—by M23 rebels on 4 February. The offensive led to 900 to 2,000 deaths, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Human rights violations and child labour
The cobalt industry is notorious for unsafe and exploitative working conditions. Artisanal miners, many of whom are children, work without basic safety equipment, facing significant risks of accidents and long-term health complications.
Child labour remains a critical issue. Many children work to support their families, sacrificing education and risking their health. International organisations continue to call for urgent action to address these abuses and protect vulnerable workers.
Environmental and health impacts
Cobalt mining has severe environmental consequences. Toxic chemicals used in the extraction process contaminate soil and water resources, posing health risks to local communities. The environmental damage has far-reaching implications for agriculture and water access, further destabilising the region.
Searching for alternatives
Growing awareness of these issues has increased pressure on technology and automotive companies to find alternatives to cobalt. Companies are exploring cobalt-free battery technologies or reducing cobalt content. For instance, Aliant Battery has developed a range of rechargeable lithium batteries using LFP (lithium iron phosphate) technology, which is entirely cobalt-free.
However, transitioning away from cobalt is challenging. The element is crucial in battery stability and longevity, making it difficult to replace without compromising performance.
Corporate responsibility: The CSDDD and cobalt mining
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is a recent regulatory initiative that could reshape cobalt mining practices. The directive emphasises corporate responsibility in supply chains and significantly impacts companies sourcing cobalt from the DRC.
- Human Rights Due Diligence: The CSDDD requires companies to identify, prevent and mitigate any adverse human rights impacts within their operations. It is particularly relevant to cobalt mining, where human rights violations are prevalent.
- Supply chain transparency: Companies must demonstrate that their cobalt supply chains meet strict human rights and environmental standards. The CSDDD expects this requirement to drive more ethical sourcing practices in the DRC.
- Addressing child labour: The directive explicitly calls for action against child labour. The focus could help reduce the exploitation of children in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations.
- Formalising Artisanal Mining: The CSDDD indirectly encourages the formalisation of ASM, which accounts for more than 10% of the world's cobalt supply. Formalising the operations could improve working conditions and reduce abuses.
- Increased accountability and tackling root causes: Under the CSDDD, companies face greater scrutiny to address the root causes of cobalt mining abuses, such as unsafe working conditions and inadequate job opportunities for youth.
Economic and social consequences of forced evictions
Forced evictions at mining sites have devastating economic and social impacts. Entire communities lose access to housing, farmland and essential services like schools and hospitals. Many displaced residents are forced into poverty, unable to find new sources of income.
Inadequate compensation often compounds the economic damage. Families lose generational wealth, and social networks are broken, making recovery difficult.
The role of Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
Multinational corporations play a central role in economic displacement. Their operations often prioritise corporate profits over community well-being, redirecting resources like land and water away from local use. While MNCs may bring new jobs, these positions usually fail to align with traditional skills, leaving many residents economically displaced.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International's Secretary General, stressed the urgency of halting forced evictions:
"The forced evictions taking place as companies seek to expand industrial-scale copper and cobalt mining projects are wrecking lives and must stop now."
Addressing the crisis in the DRC requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening governance, implementing stricter regulations, and holding corporations accountable for their supply chains are essential.
While conflict minerals legislation has attempted to address these issues, challenges remain. The global push for clean energy must prioritise human rights and environmental stewardship to ensure that the path to sustainability does not come at the cost of lives and dignity in resource-rich regions like the DRC.
The cobalt mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo represents a stark contradiction: it fuels the global transition to clean energy while simultaneously perpetuating violence, displacement and human rights abuses. As the world's reliance on lithium-ion batteries grows, the humanitarian and environmental toll in the DRC cannot be ignored.
Corporate accountability is critical in ensuring that cobalt supply chains are ethical and conflict-free. Regulatory measures like the CSDDD offer a promising step towards greater transparency and better working conditions. However, enforcement and compliance remain key challenges.
To address the crisis, multinational corporations, governments and international organisations must work together to protect vulnerable communities, promote safe working conditions and minimise environmental damage. By taking a more responsible and holistic approach to resource extraction, the global community can help ensure that the drive for sustainability does not come at the expense of human dignity and social justice in the DRC. We create an equitable and sustainable future through concerted, transparent action.
Stay informed and inspired with the EV Magazine community by signing up for our free weekly newsletter. Each week, receive in your inbox the latest industry news and in-depth insights into the world of electric vehicles, sustainability and cutting-edge innovations
Subscribe now, don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead in the fast-evolving EV industry..
EV Magazine is a BizClik brand.