The Democratic Republic of Congo has produced its first 1,000 tonnes of traceable artisanal cobalt.
The mineral powers batteries used in electric cars, phones, and laptops, making it vital to global clean-energy goals.
The DRC holds most of the world’s cobalt reserves and supplies more than 70 percent of global demand.
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Yet much of the cobalt comes from informal artisanal mines. These sites employ about 1.5 million people and often operate without safety rules or oversight.
This has led to child labour, unsafe work, and major environmental damage.
Global demand for cobalt is set to rise by 40 percent by 2030. Car makers and tech companies now insist on proof that the cobalt they buy is mined under safe and ethical conditions. The DRC’s new traceable batch is a major step toward meeting that demand.
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The state-run Entreprise Générale du Cobalt says the traceability system will clean up the supply chain and help the country meet global social and environmental standards.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
