The Jordan Harbinger Show 807: Siddharth Kara | How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives
Mar 9, 2023
Siddharth Kara, an expert on human trafficking and author of "Cobalt Red," dives deep into the harrowing world of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He reveals that about 75% of global cobalt comes from areas plagued by child labor and severe human rights abuses. Kara discusses the environmental devastation linked to cobalt extraction and the interconnected web of exploitation involving smugglers and corrupt officials. He emphasizes the urgent need for consumer awareness and corporate accountability in addressing these ethical dilemmas.
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Prevalence of Child Labor
- Child labor is pervasive in Congo's cobalt mining, with estimates as high as 70%.
- The exact ratio of machine-mined versus hand-mined cobalt is unclear due to the mixing of artisanal and industrial production.
The Human Cost of Cobalt
- Siddharth Kara describes the disturbing experience of standing above mines where children work.
- He recounts the story of Jolie, a mother who lost her family in a tunnel collapse and now walks over their graves daily.
Cobalt Demand from EVs
- EVs require significantly more cobalt than smaller devices; a single EV battery can contain 1000 times more cobalt than a smartphone.
- The Congo is essential to meeting this increasing demand, exacerbating the human rights crisis.
