Li-Ions in the DRC: Battery Technology and Environmental Justice

Activity: Academic Talks or PresentationsConference Presentation

Description

This paper builds on previous research on lithium extraction in Chile, and focuses on the extraction of cobalt in the DRC. Cobalt is an essential constituent of a Lithium Ion (L-ion) battery, and more than 70% of the world’s Cobalt is produced in the DRC. The Wilson Centre estimates that 15% of cobalt is being mined by children, and the mining process is linked to significant health and environmental impacts, including lung disease and heart failure to pollution and habitat destruction.

Green technologies, the paper argues, need to accurately reflect the true lifecycle cost of mineral extraction, and actively work to reduce the injustices it causes
Period21 Jun 2022
Event titleUniversity of Northampton Research Conference 2022
Event typeConference
LocationNorthampton, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of RecognitionRegional

Keywords

  • batteries
  • environmental justice
  • cobalt
  • DRC