The Daily The Global Race to Mine the Metal of the Future
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Mar 18, 2022 Dionne Searcey, a New York Times correspondent, dives into the cobalt mining scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the global clean energy race. She highlights the stark contrasts between Kinshasa’s allure and the harsh realities miners face. Searcey explores the intense rivalry for cobalt between the U.S. and China, revealing the geopolitical implications of this resource struggle. Personal stories from local miners paint a vivid picture of their daily battles, underscoring the human cost behind the metal that powers our future.
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The Mountain of Tailings
- In Lubumbashi, Searcey encountered a mountain of tailings, waste from a government mine containing valuable cobalt.
- A band played in front of the mountain, symbolizing the potential wealth but unequal distribution of benefits.
Winners and Losers
- The cobalt rush creates winners and losers, with freelance miners and Congo itself not fully benefiting.
- The competition for cobalt is primarily between China and the United States.
Shifting US Interests
- The U.S. historically invested heavily in Congo, even using Congolese uranium in WWII bombs.
- However, U.S. interest waned after the Cold War, shifting focus towards Middle Eastern oil.