Description:
A large proportion of the world’s cobalt, coltan, and related minerals essential to electronic and battery manufacturing originates from artisanal mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many of these mines depend on child labour, often under hazardous and unregulated conditions. Children are exposed to toxic substances, long working hours, and physical danger for minimal pay. The global supply chain for computers, phones, and electric vehicles relies heavily on these cheap minerals, creating a moral and structural imbalance where the welfare of Congolese children is sacrificed for technological affordability and convenience elsewhere.
Desired Outcome:
To establish a transparent, ethically governed mineral supply chain where no child is exposed to dangerous mining work, and the economic benefits of mineral extraction contribute directly to education, health, and sustainable community development in mining regions.
What Could Go Wrong:
Efforts to reform supply chains could be undermined by corruption, weak enforcement, or token certification schemes that do not change underlying behaviours. Stricter regulations could push the trade underground or collapse local economies.
Current Situation:
Despite international awareness, child labour remains endemic in many Congolese mining communities. Corporate social responsibility statements have had limited impact due to fragmented oversight and a lack of continuous, project-style governance.
Action Strategy:
Apply PHC Service as a governance framework across the supply chain, with independent audits, share-out funding for education, and humanitarian metrics built into supplier reporting.
Concern Category:
Exploitation
Location:
Congo
Analysis: Open Mindmap for C00302
| Snapshot History |
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| C00302_251005.pdf |