The documentary 'Blood Cobalt: The Congo's Dangerous and Deadly Green Energy Mines' by ABC's Foreign Correspondent exposes the brutal conditions in the cobalt mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 70% of the world’s cobalt is sourced. The demand for cobalt, essential for electric vehicle batteries, has surged, drawing impoverished Congolese workers to dangerous artisanal mining. Individuals like Mama Natalie and her family scavenge for cobalt in hazardous areas, risking their lives to earn a meager living. Artisanal mining, which accounts for 30% of the country's cobalt production, often results in fatal accidents, with children like Deomba losing their lives in collapses near mining sites owned by companies like CDM.
The Chinese-owned CDM and other large mining companies dominate the region, often breaching laws that ban the purchase of cobalt from artisanal miners, and there are no safeguards for local communities. Despite promises to eliminate child labor and improve conditions, there is little evidence of change, with children as young as five still working in these perilous mines. The film captures hidden footage inside cobalt markets controlled by Chinese traders, revealing how cobalt from unregulated mines enters the global supply chain, eventually making its way into products for companies like Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft.
Efforts by human rights activists are often met with threats, intimidation, and corruption. The local police and authorities, sometimes on the payroll of mining companies, enforce a system that perpetuates the exploitation of workers, including children. The filmmakers themselves experience harassment and are forced to bribe officials to avoid imprisonment.
Despite the widespread poverty and danger, there is hope in the work of the Good Shepherd nuns, like Sister Jane Wainoi and Sister Justicia Nekesa Pili, who have rescued thousands of children from the mines, offering them education and a chance at a better future. Their mission, however, is constantly challenged by the families who rely on child labor for survival. The nuns strive to change the mindset of children, emphasizing that their place is in school, not the mines.
The documentary concludes by questioning the ethics of the green energy transition, particularly as the demand for cobalt is set to soar. While the world pushes for cleaner energy, the Congolese people continue to suffer in abject conditions, raising the dilemma of whether the future of green technology will exacerbate their suffering or finally bring relief and equitable sharing of resources.
Journal and reflect on the following questions:
What is cobalt used for, and why is it so important for technology today?
How do you think the lives of children in the Congo working in cobalt mines differ from your life?
Why do you think children are working in the mines instead of going to school?
How would you feel if you had to work in a dangerous mine to support your family?
What can be done to help children in the Congo leave the mines and go to school?
Do you think people in other countries, like those who buy phones or electric cars, should know about the conditions in the Congo? Why or why not?
What responsibilities do big companies, like those using cobalt, have to improve the situation in the Congo?
Discuss
Song - Heaven's Here on Earth - Tracey Chapman
Closing Prayer
Merciful and just God, we come to You burdened by the injustice we see in the world, especially the suffering caused by slavery and the exploitation of people in the pursuit of materials like blood cobalt. We acknowledge how often we turn away, seeking our own comfort and convenience, while others endure hardship and oppression. Open our eyes and hearts to the reality of this suffering, and empower us to stand up for those whose voices go unheard. Guide us to act with compassion and courage, using our lives to seek justice for the oppressed and to break the chains of modern slavery. May we never ignore the plight of others, but instead work tirelessly for a world where Your justice and love prevail. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
