Each time we use lithium-ion batteries that power our phones or laptops or EVs, we depend on cobalt, a material often tragically sourced through child or forced labor. The scope of this exploitation remains largely debated, but its existence is undeniable. The world’s largest source of cobalt in terms of both productive mines and known reserves is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
An important question arises from this circumstance: Does Big Tech bear liability for the direct negative impacts of cobalt extraction, including instances of child enslavement and even death in mining operations?
In the recent court case Doe v…, this very question was explored. This lawsuit took aim at companies such as Apple and Tesla, flag bearers of the tech industry which heavily use cobalt in the production of their devices. Does their indirect involvement in the cobalt supply chain mean they share responsibility for the associated human rights abuses?
The implications of this case could ripple through the vast network of conglomerates that rely on cobalt in their supply chains – from car manufacturers to technology companies, not to mention the governments and other entities eyeing this pressing issue.
However, the outcome, aside from its punitive or legal implications for the companies involved, paves the way for larger questions about corporate social responsibility, supply chain transparency, and the ethical duty of corporations.
For more details about the case and its implications, please refer to the full article written by Stephen L. Carter on Bloomberg.