Child labors increasing due to massive lithium battery order

Child labor in mining sectors, especially for cobalt, remains a pressing issue, with little change observed despite media spotlight. Imagine children leaving school only to work at cobalt mines for mere transportation fare home, miles away. This scenario depicts the harsh reality for numerous kids under twelve in Congo.

Lithium-ion battery makers demand cobalt from Congo, which experts say relies heavily on child labor. Cobalt, essential for lithium-ion batteries, is controversial due to its health risks. Online searches reveal countless images of Congolese children laboring in cobalt mines without protective gear or safety measures. These children face daily exposure to toxic dust and particles with adverse health effects largely ignored.

Working up to 12 hours in cramped, dangerous conditions, children earn barely a dollar, despite their critical role due to their smaller, agile hands suited for cobalt collection. Most of these children remain oblivious to the potential health hazards they face. Cobalt exposure can lead to skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, asthma, and potentially lung cancer.

Media attention to the darker aspects of lithium-ion battery production is relatively recent, coinciding with the LIB boom. Lithium and cobalt power smartphones, laptops, and watches with lithium-ion batteries. As a major exporter of cobalt, Congo attracts a growing workforce, including over 40,000 children under six. BYD Auto's Mr. Hong emphasizes the lithium-ion battery market's rapid growth from USD 45 billion in 2023 to USD 135.1 billion by 2031.

Despite its booming economy, the industry faces sustainability challenges, especially in lithium production, amid rising ESG trends. Efforts are underway to distribute surplus COVID-19 masks, with falling prices and relaxed restrictions offering a unique opportunity for manufacturers to collaborate with charities. Such initiatives could significantly impact the well-being of children in the cobalt mining sector.

Human rights organizations call for urgent support for these at-risk children, urging a collective effort to find solutions. The demand for batteries directly increases cobalt mining by children, necessitating responsible action from global citizens for the conveniences we enjoy.

Cobalt's role in lithium-ion batteries, as a conductor helping store and release energy, is vital, yet its procurement raises ethical concerns that demand attention and action.