The Green Transition in Context—Cobalt Responsible Sourcing for Battery Manufacturing. Issue 7 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deberdt, Raphael; Le Billon, Philippe
• Is Part Of: Society and natural resources. Volume 35:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 784
• Page End: 803
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: cobalt -- green transition -- batteries -- supply chains -- responsible sourcing; Natural resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2022.2049410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-1920

Abstract

Abstract: Responsible cobalt in the context of the green transition is a major issue on the global sustainability agenda. Spurred by concerns around child labor in artisanal mine sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), corporate actors adopted a myriad of strategies to tackle reputational risks and establish responsible sourcing programs. Now encompassing forced labor, corruption, and environmental degradation mining-specific, as well as community development projects constitute the core of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices in the DRC. Informed by a review of academic and industry studies, this article raises concerns regarding the limitations of responsible cobalt sourcing. We present the initiatives developed to date, based on voluntary strategies, and then introduce new technology tools developed to trace mineral in supply chains, ensuring transparency of the information on the conditions of extraction and trade. Finally, we identify five limitations to responsible cobalt sourcing strategies constituting avenues for future research.