Behind our screens: The truth about ‘artisanal’ mining and ‘natural’ technology

October 5, 2025

The article examines the human and environmental costs associated with cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which supplies over 70% of the world's cobalt reserves used in rechargeable batteries for smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. It highlights how both large-scale mining operations and "artisanal miners" (including children) work in hazardous conditions, with the latter often digging by hand in toxic environments without proper protections. The piece connects colonial history to present-day exploitation, documenting forced evictions, health impacts from pollution, and various human rights abuses occurring alongside environmental degradation.

Who is affected

Residents of mining communities in the DRC, particularly in Kolwezi
"Creuseurs" (diggers) and artisanal miners, including children
People forcibly evicted from their homes near mining operations
Local populations exposed to toxic pollution (one of the world's 10 most polluted areas)
Communities experiencing biodiversity loss, violence, and loss of livelihoods
Over 100 million people worldwide who depend on income from artisanal mining
Women and children facing specific rights violations and gender-based violence

What action is being taken

The European Parliament has enacted a law requiring large companies to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence
Companies like Tesla are occasionally responding to public calls for supply chain transparency
The DRC government is collaborating with mining companies in efforts to formalize the mining sector
Amnesty International is investigating and documenting human rights abuses at mining sites
Organizations like Afrewatch (Africa Resources Watch) are advocating for greater corporate accountability

Why it matters

Cobalt is essential for the "green energy revolution" but its extraction involves severe human rights abuses
The DRC mining region ranks among the 10 most polluted areas globally, causing birth defects and health problems
Major technology companies including Alphabet, Apple, Dell, Microsoft, and Tesla have been accused of purchasing cobalt gathered through forced and child labor
Energy consumption for technology is rapidly increasing with AI development (one AI-powered search uses 10 times more electricity than a regular search)
The interconnected environmental and health costs include biodiversity loss, pollution, job insecurity, violence, displacement, and cultural erosion

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices