How Many Kids Worked The Cobalt Mines In 2012?

In 2012, Unicef estimated that there were 40,000 children working in all the mines across the south, many involved in mining cobalt.

How many children are involved in cobalt mining?

Despite the Commission’s zero‑tolerance approach to child labor in trade agreements, it is estimated,, according to reports by UN agencies, that in the southern Katanga province, more than 40 000 children are working in hazardous conditions in cobalt mines, with inadequate safety equipment and for very little money[2].

Where is 60% of the world’s cobalt mined?

The DRC
The DRC produces more than 70% of the world’s cobalt, holds 60% of the planet’s coltan reserves and is the world’s fourth-biggest producer of copper, which Goldman Sachs is calling the “new oil”.

Who works in cobalt mines?

Of the 255,000 Congolese mining for cobalt, 40,000 are children, some as young as six years. Much of the work is informal small-scale mining in which laborers earn less than $2 per day while using their own tools, primarily their hands.

Who is profiting from cobalt mining?

China Molybdenum (HKEX:3993)
Partially owned by the Chinese government, China Molybdenum produced an estimated 14,800 MT of cobalt in 2021. In the DRC, the cobalt-mining company owns 80 percent of the Tenke Fungurume mine, which has one of the world’s largest concentrations of cobalt.

How many children worked in mines?

An estimated 1 million children worldwide work as miners.

How does cobalt mining affect children?

Chronic exposure to dust containing cobalt can result in a potentially fatal lung disease called “hard metal lung disease”. In addition, inhalation of mineral particles can also cause “respiratory sensitization, asthma, shortness of breath, and decreased pulmonary function.

Will cobalt run out?

More than 70% of the world’s cobalt is produced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and any nation that produces electronics wants in on that source. But based on operational mines and projected demand, forecasters predict that supply won’t be able to keep up with demand by 2030, or even as early as 2025.

Is cobalt rare on Earth?

Cobalt is a rare element with a frequency in the Earth’s crust of 0,004 percent. This puts it in the thirtieth place in the list of frequency ordered items.

How much cobalt is left in the world?

about 25 million tons
Identified world terrestrial cobalt resources are about 25 million tons.

How dirty is cobalt mining?

Waste generated from mining cobalt and other metals can pollute water, air and soil, leading to decreased crop yields, contaminated food and water, and respiratory and reproductive health issues. Miners reported that working conditions were unsafe, unfair and stressful.

How much money do cobalt miners get paid?

How much do cobalt miners get paid? In a 2016 article by the Washington Post, miners made an average of US$2-$3 a day depending on how much cobalt they found. According to the WEF, more than 2 million Congolese depend on artisanal mines for their livelihood and each miner supports up to five times as many people.

Does Glencore use child labor?

We do not tolerate any form of child, forced, or compulsory labour in our supply chain. We support and respect human rights in a manner consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Glencore does not purchase, process or trade any artisanally mined cobalt or copper…

What country produces 70% of the world’s cobalt?

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is by far the world’s largest producer of cobalt, accounting for roughly 70 percent of global production. The country has been the top producer of the metal for some time, and its output increased from 98,000 MT in 2020 to 120,000 MT in 2021.

What country supplies 50% of the world’s cobalt?

Democratic Republic of Congo – 3.6 million tonnes
The DRC is home to more than 50% of the world’s cobalt reserves, with an estimated 3.6 million tonnes available for extraction in the country.

Where does Elon get cobalt?

The cobalt will come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Glencore has been operating a copper mine in the Katanga region since 2008 that produces it as a byproduct… Tesla defended its cobalt sourcing in a company report.

When did they stop children working in mines?

In 1842 It became illegal for children and women to work in mines, but things didn’t change immediately.

When did children under 10 could no longer work in mines?

The Mines and Collieries Bill, which was supported by Anthony Ashley-Cooper, was hastily passed by Parliament in 1842. The Act prohibited all underground work for women and girls, and for boys under 10. Further legislation in 1850 addressed the frequency of accidents in mines.

When did children stop working down mines?

What Jobs did Children do Underground? On 4 August 1842, a law was passed that stopped women and children under ten years from working underground in mines in Britain. Before this law was passed, it was common for whole families to work together underground to earn enough money for the family to live on.

What is cobalt for kids?

The chemical element cobalt is a metal that is related to iron and nickel. For centuries it has been used to color glazes and ceramics a deep blue. Today it is combined with other metals to make substances called alloys that are used in industry. Cobalt is also part of vitamin B₁₂.

Why do children work in the mining industry?

As children can easily go deep underground in tunnels and also works on minimal wages, they are preferred by employers. As children can easily go deep underground in tunnels and also work on minimal wages, they are preferred by employers. Child labour in mining industry is highly prevalent in Africa and Asia.