USA: cobalt from the DRC included on the list of “child labor” products

The US Department of Labor recently placed Congolese cobalt on the TVPRA list, which includes goods potentially produced by forced labor or child labor.

This measure could have serious economic repercussions for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which produces around 73% of the world’s cobalt, essential for the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles and other technological products.

The American report notably highlights the involvement of Chinese companies and highlights alarming working conditions in this sector, which is vital to the Congolese economy.

The Congolese authorities perceive this decision as a danger that threatens investments. Congolese Cobalt will undergo stricter control by the United States and Europe, thus compromising access to international markets.

Kinshasa called on Washington to reconsider this decision, highlighting the efforts made to improve the governance of the mining sector, notably with the creation of ARECOMS, the Authority for the regulation and control of markets for strategic mineral substances.