Global Scrutiny Grows Over Child Labour, Cobalt Mining in DR Congo
Fresh concerns have emerged over child labour and alleged exploitation in cobalt mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as global attention returns to the role of major technology companies in the international mineral supply chain.
Human rights groups and international observers estimate that tens of thousands of children are involved in artisanal cobalt mining across parts of the country, with some reportedly working in dangerous conditions without protective equipment.
Cobalt is a key mineral used in rechargeable batteries powering smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other electronic devices worldwide.
Several multinational technology companies, including [Apple](https://www.apple.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Google](https://www.google.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Tesla](https://www.tesla.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and [Dell Technologies](https://www.dell.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com), previously faced legal action in the United States over allegations linked to child labour in Congolese cobalt mines.
According to court documents and public reports, plaintiffs accused the companies of benefiting from supply chains associated with hazardous child labour practices.
However, a U.S. appeals court ruled in favour of the companies, concluding that the firms could not be held legally liable under the specific claims presented because their relationships with suppliers were considered standard commercial transactions.
The ruling generated widespread debate among activists, legal experts, and human rights advocates over corporate accountability in global supply chains.
Meanwhile, the Congolese government has continued raising concerns about illegal mining operations and mineral trafficking linked to armed groups operating in parts of the country.
Authorities in the DRC have also accused some international firms of sourcing minerals connected to conflict zones and illicit mining networks, allegations several companies have denied.
Apple has publicly stated its intention to transition toward increased use of recycled cobalt and has maintained that it enforces strict supplier standards and conducts audits aimed at preventing human rights abuses within its supply chain.
Despite these assurances, investigations and legal actions connected to cobalt sourcing and labour conditions in the DRC remain ongoing in different jurisdictions.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is estimated to hold more than 70 percent of the world’s known cobalt reserves, making the country central to the rapidly growing global battery and clean energy industries.
Analysts say the situation continues to highlight wider concerns about resource extraction, poverty, labour rights, and the unequal distribution of mineral wealth across Africa.
Global Scrutiny Grows Over Child Labour, Cobalt Mining in DR Congo