Cobalt plays an essential role in lithium batteries. Without its ‘supercharging’ capability they would be mere shadows on the battery landscape. The ‘Democratic’ Republic of Congo has over 60% of reserves. This wealth, some mined by children does not find its way into the pockets of the people. When BMW parts ways with this evil trade next year this will be proof the protests are having an effect.
However BMW Parts Ways Only in 2020 / 2021
The German car maker has unfortunately not used the opportunity to come out strongly against child labor. It says BMW parts ways with DRC cobalt because new technology requires less and “there are enough promising deposits elsewhere”.
The cut-over point will be when it starts manufacturing its fifth generation of electric vehicles from 2020 / 2021 onward. New technology is decreasing the amount of cobalt it requires. Moreover, it adds “there are enough deposits that have not yet been explored”. BMW cooperates with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) which strives for sustainable development for the people.
Pilot Project for Small Scale Cobalt Mining
BMW and GIZ are working with several other industrial partners to establish a sustainable ‘cottage’ cobalt mining industry. Their goal is to enable safe working conditions and eliminate child labor. Hence when BMW parts ways with DRC cobalt this is not necessarily the end of the road.
However there may also be a commercial interest. The Democratic Republic of Congo has recently classified cobalt as a strategic resource and increased its royalties to 10%. Possibly it hopes to ‘make hay while sun shines’ as the Middle East has being doing with its oil reserves.
Perhaps the DRC has left it too late to earn a real bonanza for the fortunate few in the upper echelons. Cobalt prospecting has gained second breath owing to booming interest in battery storage. We have positive news of significant resources in Canada.
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Preview Image: BMW i Vision Dynamics Prototype i4
