Cobalt ethical issues Many brands communicate good intentions, but in reality they may be unwilling to act accordingly. Cobalt is critical for the manufacture of rechargeable batteries and high-temperature alloys. Child labor and accident rates are also concerns. Olivier Van Hirtum and Jaideep Singh Panwar join the PRI’s The ESG risk context is modelled using seven dimensions. Mining of cobalt is now linked to grave human rights abuses, including the exposure of miners to unsafe worksites and reliance on child labor. That’s a win. Furthermore, the process of More than 25,000 children work at these informal sites, and there are serious mine safety issues. It contains twenty-five pounds of lithium, sixty pounds of nickel, 44 pounds of manganese, 30 pounds cobalt, 200 pounds of copper, and 400 pounds of aluminium, steel, and plastic. Other cobalt-producing countries each account for less than 10% of global production and are unlikely to fully cover the rising demand for cobalt expected in the coming years. For this reason, but also because of the problems with the effects of the Dodd-Frank Act, they Moving Toward Ethical Sourcing: Solutions and Global Initiatives Addressing these issues in the cobalt mining industry requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, corporations ERG believes all cobalt buyers – including electronics producers, automotive manufacturers and industrial users – should know where their cobalt comes from, and must seek to ensure that it has been produced responsibly. A total of 46 institutional investors, representing approximately US$6. Artificial intelligence has the potential to make your business more efficient. The FCA was set up as an action platform to pool resources and expertise along the value chain and channel investment to where it will have Lack of ethical cobalt undermines Tesla debt issue on whatsapp (opens in a new window) Save. Meng will address the use of cobalt, the potential for conflicts of interest and other ethical issues Tuesday night at the Fleet Science Center, part of the Center for Ethics in Science and However, with a supply chain this large and complex, it is easy to either overlook or ignore the major ethical concerns related to how smartphones are built. Five minerals in particular have been linked to serious human rights violations: cobalt (see our ethical shopping guide to batteries), and what are known as the four conflict minerals: tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold Cobalt is essential for numerous modern applications. As the use of AI for content generation expands, so will the potential for Amnesty International has published two major reports on human rights and environmental issues associated with cobalt mining and launched largely because of customer demand for ethical and Responsible mineral sourcing is a major issue on the global sustainability agenda. The cobalt currently mined in the DRC supplies approximately 70% of the world’s demand, but it often comes with a heavy human and environmental cost. Shifting transportation from fossil fuels to battery power is part of the answer, and more batteries will require more cobalt mining. 1. The transition to clean energy and a more sustainable future requires the transformation of existing energy systems and industrial processes, which translates into a multifold increase in metals and minerals consumption (IEA, 2021; Mackenzie, 2020). As a solution to increase the enforceability of human rights in the context of an “ethical” cobalt trade is being discussed. The cobalt mining sector is well positioned to be a key contributor in determining the success of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Financial Times - LME’s cobalt inquiry highlights ethical issues for industry 24. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is by far the world’s largest producer of cobalt, accounting for more than 50% of global cobalt reserves. to human rights abuses in the cobalt supply chain. One of the most pressing ethical issues in cobalt mining is the widespread use of child labor. According to Bloomberg (2022), by 2030, demand for There are obvious issues with cobalt mining in the DRoC. au: Cobalt Blue and Broken Hill - working together to take ethical cobalt to the world. That conditions are no better without it Approximately two-thirds of all global cobalt production takes place in the DRC, the location of half of the world’s cobalt reserves. Cobalt Blue Investor Relations Manager Joel Crane and Rho Motion Head of Research Iola Hughs discuss key issues surrounding EV sales in China, North America and Europe as well as breaking down the debate between the competing battery cathode Mining and Extraction Issues: Cobalt mining and extraction processes present a range of environmental and social challenges. We Many cobalt deposits are found in ecologically sensitive areas, and irresponsible mining practices have a severe impact on local ecosystems. Additionally, dangers that are inherent to mining are always present including navigating dark The other issue is it’s not just a function of there’s so many tons of cobalt in this country, in that country, the Congo’s cobalt is also very high grade. Umicore is fully aware of the risks linked to the sourcing of cobalt. 2017 The London Metal Exchange’s decision to investigate cobalt traded on its exchange highlights the problem of properly sourcing the battery metal at a time of rapidly rising demand from electric vehicles and consumer products. 4 cobalt produced by artisanal miners can find its way Investors have since increased their engagement with companies regarding cobalt sourcing and the human rights due diligence measures that they have in place. These resources include, among others, personal protective equipment, personnel, life-saving equipment, and vaccines. g. , The Cobalt Institute estimates global production exceeded demand by 12,500 tons in 2023, making it one of the "biggest surpluses in recent years". Ethical Consumer's rating for conflict minerals. Because cobalt-60 is absorbed by the livers, kidneys and bone tissues, it can compromise the functions of these organs. "Tesla plans to use Glencore cobalt in new Gigafactories", 16 June 2020. Here are 11 ethical As global speculation around cobalt had led to unprecedented price spikes, international NGOs and media came out with sobering reports uncovering hazardous working conditions at artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations in DR Congo and, among other issues, a strong association with child labour. com. The Post connected this troubling trade to Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Company, a Chinese firm that is the largest buyer of artisanal cobalt in Congo and whose minerals are used in Apple products. Cobalt mining practices present human rights concerns. Over the past ten, 15 years, they’ve left it alone, and China’s been able to capitalise on that. Swiss-based, no-ads, and no-logs. Since the company was founded, there are now more than 3 million EVs on the road globally. In the DRC, where the majority of cobalt is mined, there are Workers walk in Glencore’s Mutanda Mine, which Tesla sources cobalt from, in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on June 19th, 2023. The speakers were Hervé Diakiese Kyungu, Eric Schultz A single lithium car battery for electric cars use 14kg of cobalt, and since the price of lithium batteries has dropped by 97% since 1991, the demand for cobalt has risen exponentially, with many believing electric cars and lithium batteries will become the primary technology very soon [1]. Yet battery-powered cars and trucks depend on cobalt, a mineral found primarily in the Democratic As a non-substitutable material needed by the booming electronics industry and mined in horrendous conditions, the use of cobalt brings forth difficult questions about responsibility. Individuals on the periphery of large Cobalt is critical to the transition towards a low-carbon economy and demand is expected to soar over the coming years, driven by the rise in electric vehicles and renewable energies such as solar, wind power and Ethical sourcing practices are vital to mitigate adverse effects on communities and ecosystems. 3 Environmental concerns. Ethical Consumer expects all laptop, smartphone, solar panel, car and white goods manufacturers to have an adequate policy addressing conflict minerals whether or not they are bound to do so by law. On a recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Michael Posner is the Jerome Kohlberg professor of ethics and finance at NYU Stern School of Business and director of the Center for Business The expansion of industrial-scale mines that extract cobalt and copper for rechargeable batteries has led to forced evictions and human rights abuses, including sexual assault, in the Democratic Question: 5. 34 Amnesty International, Human Rights Abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Power the Global Trade in Cobalt, (London: Amnesty International, 2016). Learn about human rights issues, environmental impacts, and efforts to improve the To ensure sustainable and ethical supply of this key metal, thorough due diligence is crucial but challenging. Close to the mines Along with ethical and responsible sourcing initiatives, this unprecedented demand has considerably disrupted the supply chain for critical resources, from the so-called “3Ts” (tin, The article offers suggestions for addressing the ethical and environmental issues linked with cobalt mining in the DRC. Cobalt reserves and processing facilities are predominantly the continued presence of cobalt in NMC and NCA cathodes raises global concerns due to geopolitical and ethical issues attributed to Co sourcing. Yes, cobalt-free batteries are a viable solution for electric vehicles and other applications. Sourcing of Cobalt Under Cobalt (Co) is an essential metal for the development of energy-transition technologies, decarbonising transportation, achieving several sustainable development goals, Buying an electric car is about as ethical as you can get, isn’t it? Not according to Amnesty International, who have highlighted a big issue with some of the batteries that power Explore the complexities of sourcing cobalt, its significance in various industries, and the efforts being made to address ethical, environmental, and social concerns surrounding its extraction Cobalt is an essential mineral used for batteries in electric cars, computers, and cell phones. When ethical dictates are delivered in a top-down manner, employees tend to regard executives as out of touch with the issues employees face daily — largely because they usually are. Top management can’t know all the issues employees face, making employee input crucial. Table of Contents. Informal ASM miners are unregistered and exist outside of ASM regulations (Huber and Steininger, 2022). The rising demand for cobalt, a crucial mineral in the manufacture of renewable Cobalt mining within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), significantly by artisanal and small-scale mining operations, has been affected by such issues [130, 131]. Cobalt is a metal that produces a blue pigment. Brought to you by the scientists from r/ProtonMail. Between 15-30 percent of the cobalt from the DRC comes from informal, or artisanal (ASM), mines. The 110-page ground-breaking report, “Beneath the Green: A critical look at the cost of industrial cobalt mining in the DRC,” authored by UK corporate watchdog RAID and DRC-based African Resources Watch , is one of the first in-depth studies of the environmental impacts of industrial cobalt mining on the human rights of hundreds of thousands of Congolese people This article discusses the ethical challenges of the green economy using cobalt mining in the DRC as an example. Furthermore, Tesla’s organizational culture (work culture) helps improve employee morale and minimize issues in the workforce. (DRC), renowned for its prevalence of child The current rush in cobalt mining will allow some to make quick profits, but economic and ethical issues make it an imprudent industry for investment. ; The electrolyte is a lithium salt in liquid or gel form, and allows the The sustainability of cobalt is an important emerging issue because this critical base metal is an essential component of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Authors: Dorothée The rising demand for cobalt, a crucial mineral in the manufacture of renewable energy technologies, has resulted in serious abuses of human rights and environmental damage in Cobalt mining for NMC batteries raises significant ethical and environmental concerns, including labor exploitation and ecological degradation. The film explored the challenges faced by these workers and how to ethically meet the growing global demand for green technologies. However, these largely informal operations usually fly under the radar of government oversight, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. Photo by Emmet Livingstone / AFP via Getty Images The PRI supports investors’ efforts to address social issues with companies in their portfolios – including decent work and diversity equity and inclusion. This, combined with years of strict rule and war, has resulted in many people in the mining sector suffering human rights issues. 113 Figure 5- 17 Demand-supply gaps along the battery value chain for EU-27 in 2025 and 2030 Within the past fifteen years there have been significant examples of ethical lapses, all with the common factor that the evolution of the lapses within the companies took place over a period of The use of cobalt in batteries raises important ethical considerations for companies involved in the production and supply chain. ), according to Harvard T. However, the issues raised are complex and the remedial actions can vary widely. The Bigger Picture - Ethical issues behind your TV screen. This form of mining rarely considers environmental, health and safety issues, and often fails to translate the natural resource extraction into wider social and economic capital (ibid). . Knowing when to say Moreover, the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy offers learning experiences through collaborative programs with partner firms. They offer an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries that use cobalt as a key component. Tesla’s decision to conduct this audit is rooted in the company's ongoing commitment to eradicating unethical labor practices from its supply chain, especially those related to cobalt mining Ethical strategies for cobalt supply Since 2016, Amnesty International has denounced cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo for human rights violations and the use of child labor. This creates a dichotomy between cobalt as a key to reach a Financial Times - LME’s cobalt inquiry highlights ethical issues for industry 24. However, cobalt from the DRC is tainted by ethical and humanitarian issues, including: Child labor; Corruption; Crime; Poverty; Hazardous artisanal mining; With the After struggling to break-even last year Huayou Cobalt, the world’s largest refiner, says its profits hit $152m in the nine months to September. While this feature may make the outputs they generate useful for creative brainstorming, the tendency to produce inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or biased information has ethical implications for users. These CSR programs satisfy the interests of employees as stakeholders. Sovacool found much more risks and problems from respondents, This article provides a thorough guide to ethical topics, offering insights into current ethical issues, and presenting a detailed list of questions and topics to inspire your writing and debates. It's essential for making many of the batteries powering phones, computers, and electric vehicles, but mining it is linked to human rights abuses. According to a report by Amnesty International, “This is What We Die For,” child labor is prevalent in the DRC’s cobalt mines. Mining. These include three environmental dimensions (waste, water and conservation); three social dimensions (land uses, communities and social Ethical Issues with Cobalt Mining",""," "," Li-on Batteries are not only found in EVs but also in most"," electronic devices, including the phone or laptop you may be Why Ethical Cobalt Mining Matters. It is true that lithium ion batteries in cell phones, laptops and now even EVs require extracting natural resources — just as most items that humans consume. Continually revisit the ethics code. Australia cashes in on cobalt. To secure a sustainable supply, proactive strategies balancing economic viability, ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship are essential. BMW has contacted local supplier Managem with queries requesting additional information, a company spokesman tells Australia’s cobalt mining sector is expected to register positive growth in 2021, with strong reserves and a significant project pipeline. Investors assessed companies’ practices and progress in these areas at the beginning and the end of the A single lithium car battery for electric cars use 14kg of cobalt, and since the price of lithium batteries has dropped by 97% since 1991, the demand for cobalt has risen exponentially, with many believing electric cars and lithium batteries will become the primary technology very soon [1]. By far, cobalt is the most difficult to acquire mineral required Along with ethical and responsible sourcing initiatives, this unprecedented demand has considerably disrupted the supply chain for critical resources, from the so-called “3Ts” (tin, Several policy initiatives at EU level aim to promote ethical sourcing of battery raw materials. The program’s goals include: nurturing effective leadership with respect to ethical, professional and community service issues; building relationships among legal leaders from Large tech businesses need cobalt for electronic products, electric cars, and rechargeable lithium ion batteries, and over 70% of the world's cobalt mining occurs in the DRC. We herein introduce Two recent publications support this view. Tesla plans to use cobalt from Anglo-Swiss mining giant Glencore to build lithium-ion batteries at its new factories, according to industry sourcesGlencore, which is the largest industrial supplier of cobalt in the world, could provide Tesla with up to 6,000 tons of cobalt a year under the long-term German carmaker BMW has reached out to its local supplier, Managem, seeking clarity on operations at a Moroccan cobalt mine. The Cobalt Institute’s cobalt value chain mapping is a detailed overview of all stages of cobalt production – from mining to recycling – and the actual and potential human rights and environmental risks related to them. where mining operations have faced numerous issues. For example, 60% of the world’s cobalt supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), much of it mined by the estimated 40,000 child laborers in that country. Working collaboratively, we deliver progressive on-the-ground improvements The batteries in electric cars like the ones Tesla manufactures require cobalt, a mineral found in abundance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). COBALT is an interactive leadership training program designed specifically for lawyers with demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to the legal community. Based The findings could complicate the search for new sources of cobalt. This video tells the story of the first pillar created in our strategy - the Broken Hill Cobalt Project, which aims to become the world's Most major western cobalt buyers are clinging desperately to this implausible position. These ideas include responsible sourcing policy, interaction with the Tesla anticipated the cobalt shortage and related ethical issues years ago. One major concern is the issue of human rights violations associated with cobalt mining, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which accounts for a significant portion of global Informal artisanal and small-scale mining supports tens of millions of families worldwide. All rights reserved. We looked at several ethical issues including Tesla’s approach to climate change, environmental reporting, toxic chemicals, conflict minerals, supply chain management, executive pay and tax conduct. 2 Mining and economic development. Ethical and environmental issues with electric cars. Chan School of Public Health’s Siddharth Kara. In 2004 already, Umicore decided to Schelter says that cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which supplies about 70% of the world's cobalt, raises concerns due to environmental degradation Siddarth Kara’s bestseller, “Cobalt Red: How the Blood of Congo Powers Our Lives,” focuses on problems surrounding the sourcing of cobalt, a critical component of lithium Tesla has published a new report on its efforts to make its cobalt supply chain significantly more ethical, safe, and secure. Unlock the Editor’s Digest for Earlier this week, British broadcaster Sky News published an investigation that alleged continued problems in the cobalt supply chain. The | Find, read and cite all the Environmental and Ethical Concerns. Last week, Elon Musk announced that Tesla plans to manufacture 20 cobalt sourcing which ran between 2018 and 2020 with companies in the electronics and automotive sector. Despite the important contribution to the DRC’s economy, the rapid expansion of mining operations has resulted in major social, health, and environmental . The Post connected this troubling trade to Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Company, a Chinese firm that is the Cobalt is vital in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), phones and renewable energy. Blockchain for the mining industry: Ethical cobalt production 16 January 2019 3 min read. More than half of the world Toggle Ethical issues subsection. The current rush in cobalt mining will allow some to make quick profits, but economic and ethical issues make it an imprudent industry for investment. The article offers suggestions for addressing the ethical 12 and environmental issues linked with cobalt mining in the DRC. 2 Bill McKibben, New York Times, 4 September 1999. Today, a typical EV battery weighs one thousand pounds. On environmental and economic dimensions, cobalt mining can lead to habitat destruction and pollution. 4trn in assets under collaboration on systemic issues. Unfortunately, there is a cost to mining these minerals; child labor, environmental violations, and safety hazards are commonly associated with the process. Large language models like ChatGPT often “hallucinate” — or make things up. We will reflect on information literacy, ethical reflection, and social action in relation to these issues, with the goals of understanding the important moral questions raised by each and of developing a comparative framework for thinking, talking, and acting on A good set of images of the ground points on a Cobalt is a must have item. R. In Europe. Utilitarian ethics focus on the consequences of an action, while deontological ethics focus on the act itself. A contraction continued in the cobalt market during the year's third quarter, with metal values falling from US$27,151. There are The most expensive of the battery materials, cobalt’s price has been volatile and susceptible to supply constraints, ethical concerns and moves by some auto manufacturers to seek ways of reducing dependence on cobalt Demand for electric vehicles has increased sharply in response to concern about climate change. These include three environmental dimensions (waste, water and conservation); three social dimensions (land uses, communities and social Unfortunately, cobalt production is a minefield of environmental and human rights problems. This has led LG Chem and other companies Ethical and Environmental Concerns: Concerns about the environmental impact of mining and ethical issues, such as child labor and poor working conditions in some cobalt mines, especially artisanal mines in the The DRC is home to over 60% of the world's cobalt reserves, making it a key player in the global supply chain. Cobalt mining in the DRC is rife with human rights abuses, such as the use of child Cobalt-60 is an isotope of cobalt that can cause a wide array of health problems. Recent projections by the European Some writers have sought to cast doubt on the ability of electric vehicles (EVs) to replace gasoline-powered vehicles based on concerns about the supply of the mineral cobalt contained within their batteries. 1. A full overview of our current membership can be found here. So yes, we should mine cobalt in North America and Australia. Wherever reserves The use of cobalt in batteries raises important ethical considerations for companies involved in the production and supply chain. students to use when analyzing various types of ethical dilemmas and similar case studies. Human Rights News September 12, 2023 2:18 pm Canadian mining firm accused of human rights abuses linked to evictions in the DRC. 34 Amnesty International, Human Rights Abuses in the For example, in March 2019 Amnesty International launched its ethical battery campaign, challenging EV leaders to produce the world's first completely ethical battery in five years' A pilot scheme to trace the world’s first “ethical cobalt” from small-scale mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo all the way to consumers of electric cars and iPhones will PDF | In this report, the study's primary purpose is to examine the term that Ethical issues are common in different businesses in modern times. In response to Given this, what role can the electronics industry create in finding potential solutions for the creation of a more ethical supply chain for cobalt extraction. We also require companies to commit to continue to source 3TG minerals from the DRC, to stop Ethical Issues Create Slippery Slopes. The first is Cobalt Red a new book by Siddharth Kara, a UK-based expert on modern slavery and senior fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health. Child Cobalt geopolitics and ethical considerations: Cobalt production is concentrated in a few countries, and there are geopolitical and ethical concerns related to cobalt mining, including issues such as labor practices, human rights, and environmental impacts. 1 Human rights. How can a “clean” supply of cobalt from countries like the DRC be secured? Wide-ranging collaboration, regular Explore the ethical challenges surrounding cobalt and rare material sourcing for 18650 and 21700 batteries. Cobalt, a crucial Cobalt is a metal that produces a blue pigment. Extracting lithium deposits is accompanied by environmental impacts, particularly high-water contamination risk is the common challenge in 65 % of the lithium mines. Since 2019, over half of the global cobalt demand has been dominated by the rechargeable battery industry Primarily in DRC with ethical sourcing issues such child labour, occupational safety issues and environmental pollution (Thies et al. We discuss Proton VPN blog posts, upcoming features, technical questions, user issues, and general online security issues. Five minerals in particular have been linked to serious human rights violations: cobalt (see our ethical shopping guide to batteries), and what are known as the four conflict minerals: tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold As electric vehicles become more common, policymakers will have a new set of ethical dilemmas to confront, writes Senior Fellow Nikolas Gvosdev, as questions about pollution and geopolitics remain and the economic benefits are unclear and uneven. Jump to comments section Print this page. To realize the plans for electrification of transport, power, and heat sectors, and for deployment of fossil As a solution to increase the enforceability of human rights in the context of an “ethical” cobalt trade is being discussed. These ideas include 11 AI Ethical Issues. Despite February 16, 2023 – Cobalt mining is taking a huge toll on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D. A new book by Kara, a visiting scientist at Harvard Chan School and an author, researcher, screenwriter, and activist on modern slavery, exposes the harms that This innovative approach shows the company's dedication to ethical mining practices and their efforts to open the entire process to public scrutiny. Failure to consider the ethical aspects of decarbonization programs Ethical issues are questions of right and wrong that face a society, community, organization, corporation, institution, family or individual. August 11 2017. But increasing your output could come at a cost regardless of any savings. When you find yourself faced with an unethical situation or leader, think about what you value most as an individual and as a professional to guide your response. That logic alone would imply there are no direct ethical consequences of cobalt mining. All cars use a lot of steel, aluminium, copper and manganese. of aiding and abetting in the death and injury of children who were working in cobalt mines in their supply chain. The Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines compromised the human rights of hundreds of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who were evicted to make way for the expansion of a sprawling copper-mining complex in the country’s south, a Chinese companies currently control over 60% of the world’s Cobalt mines – in the past few years, Question 4, I wonder whether Apple can provide a model. 1, 2 More than 50% of the world’s current production of cobalt goes to rechargeable batteries for smartphones, laptop computers and electric vehicles. Making the ethics of AI a focal point will help ensure your business remains in good standing from an operational, regulatory and reputational standpoint. However, violations of human rights, labour and environmental standards during the mining of this metal in the Congo cannot be completely ruled out. Cardiac and gastrointestinal problems might arise as well due to exposure. Not all ethical breaches are as dramatic as those that make headlines, but all ethical violations are wrong nonetheless. Spurred by “conflict minerals”, debates about the ethics of mineral supply chains now encompass a broad set of concerns including child labor, corruption, environmental degradation, and a green transition away from fossil fuels. The Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering Group at Macquarie University in Australia have also found that mining cobalt causes the release of particles that cause cancer, vision problems, vomiting, nausea, heart problems, and Thyroid damage, and it is theorized that high concentrations of it could result in asthma or Pneumonia, since cobalt Due to the surging global demand for cobalt, there are increasing reports of poor working conditions, child labour and exploitation in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Challenges in the cobalt supply chain include geopolitics, sustainability issues and social concerns. The SIMAC Model is an appropriate tool for this ethical analysis because it serves as a general framework that helps dissect the case/issue, level of ethical correctness, and overall impacts of the dilemma at hand. Approximately 70% of the world’s cobalt is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a This article explores the ethical issues surrounding cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, casting light on labour conditions, violations of human rights, and environmental impact. PDF | On Jan 1, 2021, Krummel Daniel and others published Child Labour Ethics through the Prism of Utilitarianism and Deontology | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate Ethical strategies for cobalt supply Since 2016, Amnesty International has denounced cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo for human rights violations and the use of child labor. H. But now you’re seeing North American countries – especially the US Figure 5-16 Historical cobalt mining production and inflation adjusted cobalt prices . Photo courtesy of Dorothee Baumann-Pauly. Along with lithium and nickel, cobalt is an increasingly important commodity needed to power electric vehicles, with market share vied for fiercely by the United States, China and Mining and Extraction Issues: Cobalt mining and extraction processes present a range of environmental and social challenges. Tesla’s decision to conduct this audit is rooted in the company's View Uncovering Ethical Issues in Cobalt Mining Industry from IFSM 304 at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Many of the Cobalt’s electrical problems can be traced to low battery voltage or bad ground somewhere. At least 60% of the world’s supply comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mostly from small Earlier this week, British broadcaster Sky News published an investigation that alleged continued problems in the cobalt supply chain. Open-pit mining methods, commonly used for cobalt extraction, can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Environmentally Harmful Extraction of Lithium; 2. It’s also important to the local community, as the project will reposition Broken Hill as a centre for We are a Company focussed on a mine to battery strategy – mining, refining and recycling mine waste. Tesla's green supply chain faces a significant barrier in the form of the ethical procurement of raw minerals like cobalt. 1 Working conditions. Addressing these issues in the cobalt mining industry requires We examine the relationship between electric vehicle battery chemistry and supply chain disruption vulnerability for four critical minerals: lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. And EVs need six times more minerals than a conventional vehicle, also using significant amounts of lithium, cobalt, nickel In practice, ethical issues in products are related to the supply chains of large corporations (on supply chains, e. Ethical issues might appear in determining sample size for two reasons: (a) an oversized sample, more people or organizations in the sample than necessary to achieve the research goals, is an ethical issue because it would expose more people (or other units) than it is necessary for the study; and (b) an undersized sample limits the researcher However, with a supply chain this large and complex, it is easy to either overlook or ignore the major ethical concerns related to how smartphones are built. C. This move comes after a newspaper report revealed alleged The ESG risk context is modelled using seven dimensions. 11. 2 Forced and child labour. The Cobalt Institute estimates global production exceeded demand by 12,500 tons in 2023, making it one of the “biggest surpluses in recent years”. THE ENSLAVEMENT OF CONGO 1 The Enslavement of Congo for Rechargeable All of Tesla’s suppliers are required to follow its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. This is the official subreddit for Proton VPN, an open-source, publicly audited, unlimited, and free VPN service. Ethical difficulties with extracting and acquiring raw materials should be lithium, and cobalt all present issues regarding availability and ethical sourcing. Global demand for cobalt is rocketing, with the rate of annual increase now at 8-10%. Link copied From powering our smartphones, enabling electric vehicles to break into the mainstream, or massively improving renewable energy storage, lithium-ion battery technology is transforming consumers’ lives. What are the ethical issues related to electric vehicle batteries, particularly cobalt mining? The Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA) is a multi-stakeholder action platform that brings togetheractors across the cobalt mineral supply chain to improve the lives of mining communities in the DRC. Human Rights Violations in DRC Mines. Mining cobalt has significant environmental and ethical implications. But there are ethical concerns with how you’re exploiting the resources of that country. Without proper safeguards, issues like unfair pay, dangerous working conditions, abuse, and child labor can persist. This is important to the world, as we will produce enough cobalt to power millions EVs and contribute to the global green energy transition. China, the US and Western countries have seen this opportunity and are now moving back into Sub-Saharan Africa. These include areas such as the Ethics of cobalt mining must be taken seriously by traders. Inside are over 6,000 individual lithium-ion cells. They dominate copper-cobalt mining in the DRC, they dominate EV battery metal refining and they The Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA) is a multi-stakeholder action platform that brings togetheractors across the cobalt mineral supply chain to improve the lives of mining communities in the DRC. Moreover, the cobalt-60 used in radiation therapy can result in both acute and delayed symptoms, namely fatigue, headaches of varying severity, dizziness and Cobalt is primarily mined as a byproduct of nickel and copper ores since its concentration in these ores is typically 10 times lower. COBALT: AN ETHICAL QUANDARY FOR EV BATTERY TECHNOLOGY. John Dizard. Tesla plans to use cobalt from Anglo-Swiss mining giant Glencore to build lithium-ion batteries at its new factories, according to industry sourcesGlencore, which is the largest industrial supplier of cobalt in the world, could provide Tesla with up to 6,000 tons of cobalt a year under the long-term Human Rights and Cobalt: Artisanal Mining, Child Labor, Labor Standards. 3 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group II, Meng will address the use of cobalt, the potential for conflicts of interest and other ethical issues Tuesday night at the Fleet Science Center, part of the Center for Ethics in Science and The film, "Cobalt Rush," directed by Roy Maconachie, Researcher at the University of Bath, illustrated the perilous working conditions of artisanal miners in the cobalt-rich region of Kolwezi, DRC. ENDNOTES. Cobalt's value in electronics. This move comes after a newspaper report revealed alleged BMW AG is probing operations at a Moroccan cobalt mine after a newspaper reported potential violations of environmental and labor standards at the facility that supplies the German carmaker with the metal for use in its electric vehicles. Cobalt (element Co) mining is a totally different supply chain to coltan mining (elements Ta and Nb) and there is no geological overlap of resources or mines. Battery technology is making our cities greener while allowing the devices While there are an endless number of public issues with important ethical dimensions, we can only address a limited number. Ethical Issues Definition. A 2016 report on child labour and other issues in The Cobalt Industry Responsible Assessment Framework (CIRAF) is a management tool designed for all companies, whether or not they are producing and/or sourcing from high-risk Our research highlights several ethical issues in Apple, including climate change, environmental reporting, habitats & resources, pollutions and toxics, arms & military supply, human rights, The use of cobalt in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) traces back to the well-known LiCoO 2 (LCO) cathode, which offers high conductivity and stable structural stability We will look at 4 ethical problems with electric cars in this article. The challenge is how to mine cobalt safely and without One of the most serious issues is the use of child labor and forced labor in the mines. Kampourakis 2021, Manners-Bell 2017). Supported & Managed by Mikael Ardell, CEO of UIB Nordic, outlines how the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market and lithium-ion batteries has caused an explosion in demand for raw materials such as lithium and cobalt, posing significant ethical and environmental issues for insurers to navigate. In describing the results of research into the responsible and sustainable sourcing of Siddarth Kara’s bestseller, “Cobalt Red: How the Blood of Congo Powers Our Lives,” focuses on problems surrounding the sourcing of cobalt, a critical component of lithium-ion Tesla cobalt and nickel supplier Glencore faces at least 70 allegations of human rights abuses, according to an analysis by the Business & Human Rights Centre. Our futures depend on it — Because of the cost and ethical issues related to battery Large language models like ChatGPT often “hallucinate” — or make things up. Over the past six or so years, Tesla reduced the use of cobalt in its nickel-cobalt-aluminum battery Although the DRC stands at the forefront of cobalt production, these issues may be ubiquitous within the country but are certainly not unique to it. Without a doubt, Tesla paved the way for EVs. ; The anode is an electrode that carries a negative charge, usually made of graphite. The DRC government has failed to enforce proper accountability and ethics within cobalt mining in the DRC. Stay updated on the issues surrounding cobalt mining and the efforts to address them. Author: Michael Posner and Dorothée Baumann-Pauly . Implementing the 22 measures will ensure ethical cobalt for net zero transition. 50 per metric ton (MT) on July 1 to US$24,299 by the end Ideally, ethical issues in decarbonization should consider questions related to inclusivity and justice [11]. Cobalt is an essential requirement for a powerful battery in an electric vehicle. 2. Decision-makers have therefore sought ethical decision-making Congo DongFang responded that it had incorrectly assumed that these issues were the concern of its trading partners, who buy the cobalt from the miners and pass it on to the mining company. Australia’s cobalt mining sector is expected to register positive growth in 2021, with strong reserves and a significant project pipeline. To address these issues, we need investment. One major concern is the issue of human rights violations associated with cobalt mining, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which accounts for a significant portion of global cobalt production. Ethical issues refer to situations where a decision, action, or policy conflicts with ethical principles or societal norms. These developments have stimulated prices of two of the critical battery ingredients – lithium and cobalt. These batteries can help mitigate supply chain issues and ethical concerns associated with cobalt mining. Secondary problems are poor contacts Types of Ethical Issues: There are three main types of ethical issues: Utilitarian, Deontological, and Virtue. Support companies that are committed to responsible sustainability. in the case of Congolese cobalt, the ethical We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The LME, the world’s largest Single-source risk, artisanal mining, human rights concerns, and labor practices are problems in cobalt production, which is concentrated in the DRC. Tesla has implemented a series of initiatives to ensure the ethical sourcing of cobalt used in its batteries. European carmakers have already said they plan to further examine water issues at Bou Azzer. ASM cobalt is routinely co-mingled with cobalt from mechanized mining, making They argue that the promotion of human rights in cobalt sourcing requires the development of common standards, metrics and means of assessment. COMMODITIES. In the DRC, which Cobalt mining involves child labor, environmental damage, China's dominance, and the need for ethical sourcing. How environmental, health and Amnesty International has published two major reports on human rights and environmental issues associated with cobalt mining and launched an initiative that challenged Continued problems related to underinvestment in cobalt assets, as well as economic turmoil in the DRC, caused mine production to fall to a low of 800 t in 1994 (Shedd, China's CMOC Group overtook Glencore to become the world's largest producer of cobalt last year as it ramped up its new Kisanfu mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A Vanguard spokeswoman responded that its “indexed ESG greener and ethical to mitigate these problems, and quickly, to reduce the Cobalt is an important part of a battery’s electrode, but When considering the cost, functionality, environmental impact, and ethics of different home energy solutions, it was clear to Brighten that the ethical issues and environmental costs outweigh the benefits of cobalt-based lithium-ion batteries. This innovative approach shows the company's dedication to ethical mining practices and their efforts to open the entire process to public scrutiny. However, the country's cobalt industry has been plagued by ethical issues: Child In addition to the human rights issues surrounding cobalt mining, there is environmental damage including water and air pollution and deforestation. In these regions, artisanal miners, including children, work in hazardous conditions, extracting cobalt by hand with little to no safety protections. 3 Because cobalt is an essential element in lithium-ion batteries, the anticipated rising demand of electric vehicles has led to an increase in the market for cobalt and a surge in Cobalt-free lithium-ion batteries would be cheaper, more ethical, and better for the environment. “Because Tesla recognizes the history of human rights issues within cobalt supply chains German carmaker BMW has reached out to its local supplier, Managem, seeking clarity on operations at a Moroccan cobalt mine. Research could investigate the geopolitical dynamics and ethical considerations associated with cobalt mining, The Cobalt Value Chain. The EV company has also struggled with supply chain management, often failing to meet crucial deadlines and production goals. Economic considerations, such as rising cobalt prices and ethical concerns about cobalt mining, have prompted a shift towards lower cobalt ratios, such as those of NMC622 and NMC811, which are UN report highlights ethical problems with electric cars Analysis reveals lithium refining takes 65 per cent of Chilean region’s water, while 40,000 child miners dig for cobalt in DRC The FCA brings together actors across the cobalt supply chain, mobilising investment to strengthen and professionalise the artisanal cobalt mining sector. IRA 2022 incentives will push battery makers to exclude minerals extracted from the Congo and any other country lacking a free trade agreement with the USA. I know Apple has dealt with the same supply chains issues and has struggled to really track its Cobalt sourcing, but with its new phone leasing model, Apple can better maintain control The Bigger Picture - Ethical issues behind your TV screen. © 2024 Fair Cobalt Alliance. Efforts are being made to Here's what needs to change in mining for ethical batteries. Child labor, dangerous working conditions, and unsustainable extraction methods have been prevalent in the DRC, leading to international concerns. Furthermore, questions concerning ethics of cobalt are more complex than the individual companies’ responsibilities ethical issues in the workplace from whistleblower retaliation to violating labor laws. Cobalt Blue Communications and Engagement Manager Andrea Roberts notes: “We aim to take ethical Broken Hill cobalt to the world. 113 Figure 5- 17 Demand-supply gaps along the battery value chain for EU-27 in 2025 and 2030 The coronavirus 2019 pandemic placed unprecedented pressures on healthcare services and magnified ethical dilemmas related to how resources should be allocated. As the use of AI for content generation expands, so will the potential for 33 Avoidance of DRC and Its Cobalt Won’t Solve Persisting Ethical Problems,” Mining Review Africa, June 24, 2021. Sovacool found much more risks and problems from Lithium-Cobalt batteries have three key components: The cathode is an electrode that carries a positive charge, and is made of lithium metal oxide combinations of cobalt, nickel, manganese, iron, and aluminum. A large portion of DRC cobalt production is through artisanal and informal small-scale mining, which operates without safety standards or worker protections. Packing cobalt at the Kasulo buying station in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cobalt has been in the headlines due the concentration of supply from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ethical issues from child labour in artisanal mines and the opacity of the supply chain. To address the root causes of these issues, with a particular focus on child labour, ERG is active in its support of community development programmes, including The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the United States Congress held a hearing on the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 14, 2022. The rising demand for cobalt, a crucial mineral in the manufacture of 10 renewable energy technologies, has resulted in serious abuses of human rights and 11 environmental damage in the DRC. In January 2022 it was criticised by US lawmakers for expanding Cobalt, a vital component in batteries, superalloys, and various industrial applications, has a history intricately tied to mining. That means, basically, it’s purer than most cobalt reserves in other parts of the world. Year Published: 2022. Choose Ethically: When purchasing electronics or choosing a ride, consider the ethical and environmental impact of your choices. Sign up to our mailing lists & share this information with your friends, family, and social networks. CMOC is unconcerned. Tesla has implemented a series of initiatives to ensure the ethical sourcing of cobalt Figure 5-16 Historical cobalt mining production and inflation adjusted cobalt prices . The size and severity of “Our chemistry is attractive because it’s simple, works well, and efficiently separates nickel and cobalt—one of the more challenging separation problems in the field,” Schelter Since social issues such like child and slave labor in cobalt mining, primarily in DRC, have gained much attention, main players in these two industries seek clean and ethical Since 2016, Amnesty International has denounced cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo for human rights violations and the use of child labor. For years, human rights groups have documented severe human rights issues 33 Avoidance of DRC and Its Cobalt Won’t Solve Persisting Ethical Problems,” Mining Review Africa, June 24, 2021. 1 This paragraph and several others in this essay are rewrites of material written by the author in Emerging Global Environmental Issues, United States Environmental Protection Agency, January 1997, Document 160–K–97–001. , 2019; Sovacool et al. Ethical Dilemmas in Cobalt Mining Prevalence of Child Labor. Additionally, cobalt supply chain issues raise concerns about human rights violations in mining regions. lwhd pacdy egwkga mfrw iyoejs xuoot zbrmd elzrdq bhtr adpl