In a major step for sustainable technology, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced its first production of 1,000 tons of fully traceable artisanal cobalt. This is a pivotal development for the mineral, which is essential for powering electric vehicles and other electronics.
The DRC, responsible for over 70% of global cobalt reserves, has an informal artisanal mining sector, often linked to significant ethical and environmental challenges. With global cobalt demand projected to surge 40% by 2030, manufacturers are now demanding proof of ethical sourcing.
This new traceable supply directly addresses that pressure, marking a crucial move toward formalizing the industry.
By ensuring transparency from the mine to the market, the DRC aims to clean up its supply chain and align with rigorous international standards, promising a more responsible future for a critical green energy resource.
