HYPOCRISY, MISINFORMED, OR BOTH: THE ANTI-MINING 21ST CENTURY AMERICAN

 The problem with Cobalt is that approximately 60% of the world’s supply comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Why is this a problem? Because the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that over 40,000 children, ages 4-10 years old are working in DNC Cobalt mines. Of those 40,000 children, approximately 10,000 are working in “artisanal” mines, where they mine Cobalt in standing toxic water, by hand, and without footwear. The children work up to 12 hour days, are exposed to water containing toxic mercury, are provided no respiratory protection or other kinds personal protective equipment, and endure back breaking work even by adult standards as they grind, wash, and bag Cobalt ore by hand
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