Volkswagen Engaged in Improving Working Conditions in Artisanal Cobalt Mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In November, Volkswagen has joined “Cobalt for Development”, a cross-industry initiative launched by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to improve artisanal cobalt mining conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the living conditions for people in the surrounding communities.
Cobalt is an important raw material for the production of electric vehicle batteries. Artisanal mining involves risks to the environment and people. By joining the “Cobalt for Development” initiative, Volkswagen is thus supporting efforts to minimize these risks. The pilot project intends to strengthen legal compliance and improve health and safety conditions as well as social well-being in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 70 percent of the world’s cobalt resources are located. The first trainings for mine operators and miners have just begun. The project is being implemented by GIZ and financed by BASF, BMW Group, Google, Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDI and Volkswagen.
Like Volkswagen, CSR Europe is also working with GIZ in Africa to strengthen responsible sourcing and due diligence practices in the Electric Vehicle (EV) battery value chain.
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