Legislation to Prevent Child Labor in Cobalt Mining for Green Energy

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
New legislation introduced by Rep. Chris Smith aims to prevent minerals key to green energy in the U.S. from being extracted with child labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly focusing on cobalt used in electric vehicle batteries sourced from the DRC. The bill seeks to block cobalt extracted with child or forced labor from entering the U.S. market, as Chinese companies dominate the cobalt supply chain and profit from unethical labor practices.

Key Points

  • Rep. Chris Smith introduced the Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
  • Legislation seeks to block cobalt extracted with child or forced labor from entering the U.S. market
  • Chinese companies dominate the cobalt supply chain and profit from unethical labor practices

Pros

  • Addresses the issue of child and forced labor in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Aims to prevent materials tainted by unethical labor practices from entering the U.S. market

Cons

  • Impact on the global cobalt supply chain and production of electric vehicle batteries