Could Cobalt Be A New Conflict Mineral?

TIMESTAMPS
What is Cobalt Used For 0:04
Where Cobalt is Sourced 0:12
Why Cobalt is Concerning 0:22
The Future of Cobalt Sourcing 0:37

SUMMARY
Cobalt is highly valued as a key component of lithium batteries, jet engines, cosmetics, magnetic steels, to name a few. Current estimates show that nearly 70% of the world’s cobalt production derives from mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The US regulates the use of conflict minerals and similar laws are going into effect in the European Union starting in 2021. China has also issued guidelines for the ethical sourcing of minerals.

Conflict minerals are referred to as “3TG,” which are columbite-tantalite, also known as coltan (from which tantalum is derived); cassiterite (tin); gold; wolframite (tungsten); or their derivatives; or any other mineral or its derivatives determined by the U.S. Secretary of State to be financing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country.

Even though cobalt is not currently on the list of regulated conflict minerals, it’s on legislation’s radar as severe human rights issues arise.

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