Global firms named in African mining lawsuit

Apple, Google, Tesla and Microsoft are reported to be among firms named in a lawsuit seeking damages over deaths and injuries of child miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to the BBC, the case has been filed by the International Rights Advocates on behalf of 14 Congolese families, accusing the companies of knowing that cobalt used in their products could be linked to child labour.

DRC produces 60% of the world’s supply of cobalt. The mineral is used to produce lithium-ion batteries used to power electric cars, laptops and smartphones.

The lawsuit filed in the US argues that the tech companies had “specific knowledge” that the cobalt sourced for their products could be linked to child labour. They say the companies failed to regulate their supply chains and instead profited from exploitation.

Other companies listed in the lawsuit are computer manufacturer Dell and two mining companies, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt and Glencore, which own the minefields where the Congolese families allege their children worked.

Among reactions to the lawsuit, Glencore told The Telegraph newspaper in the UK that it “does not purchase, process or trade any artisanally mined ore”, adding that it also “does not tolerate any form of child, forced, or compulsory labour”.

And The Telegraph quoted Microsoft as saying it was committed to responsible sourcing of minerals and that it investigates any violations by its suppliers and takes action.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Google told the BBC that the company was “committed to sourcing all materials ethically and eliminating child mining in global supply chains”. An Apple spokesperson said the company was “deeply committed to the responsible sourcing of materials”, adding: “If a refiner is unable or unwilling to meet our standards, they will be removed from our supply chain. We’ve removed six cobalt refiners in 2019.”