Whatever you are reading this on, whether it be a phone, an iPad, or a computer, it was probably made with the help of  a nine-year-old child in the Congo.

Every technological device like the phone needs to be made with cobalt wiring. Cobalt creates an environmental disaster because every phone that is built requires the extraction of elements that cannot be replaced or renewed like gold, cobalt, and lithium. This extraction causes mass amounts of pollution. 

What makes it worse is that the average person will own over five phones in his or her lifetime. This means every two years a device is thrown away causing toxic waste and materials that can damage Earth.

Cobalt is mined in several countries, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo is by far the largest producer. As demand rises, mining in other countries including the US, Canada, and Australia is set to increase. In 2022, the demand for elements like cobalt and iron increased 30% and have now turned the Congo into the main producer and exporter of these metals. 

Cobalt is found in rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals, including people. It can harm the eyes, skin, heart, and lungs. Exposure to cobalt may cause cancer and can be specially harmful to people who haven’t reached full development. Workers may be harmed from exposure to cobalt and cobalt-containing products.

The mineral extraction industry is the backbone of the Congolese economy. Copper and cobalt, which is a by-product of copper, accounts for 85% of the country’s exports.

Cobalt is an essential mineral for the lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, laptops and smart phones. It offers the highest energy density and is key for boosting battery life.

International human rights organizations have begun investigating possible human rights abuses in the mining process. After the spotlight was placed on the Congo for violation of human rights, many multinational corporations have stopped buying cobalt from them. Some automotive and electronics companies are  not gathering cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo because they want to avoid tainting their brand image. Still, cell phones and electric cars rely on the mineral, causing a boom in demand. While demand rises, cobalt-made product prices do as well but the people making the devices possible receive none of the profit.

Scientists around the world are suggesting using  graphene which can be stronger and more durable than most diamonds. Some suggest using lithium; however, the metal is still toxic only less so than cobalt. Large companies like iPhone and Samsung have discussed making their products out of sustainable and reusable materials that can also be biodegradable. They also offer the choice where when buying a new phone customers give them their old one (which they will pay for) and they will reuse and recycle it. Using and supporting brands that help the environment is part of our role as global citizens. Stay informed!  This way we can make a difference.